Introduction
In the northern tip of Palawan, approximately 30 kilometers from El Nido’s main town, lies the eco-resort Qi Palawan. The passion project of Bettina Rodarte and Ismael Delgado has been one of continued progress and a great example of how “eco” hotels should be both economically sustainable and ecological sound. They believe in minimizing their carbon footprint, involving local community, and increasing the economic well being of the San Fernando community. In an effort to solving some of the perils of El Nido’s growing unreliable energy problem and their off-the-grid location, Rodarte and Delgado, shifted towards solar energy. They already understood the importance of eco-sustainability and the utilization fo renewable energy and it’s role in eco-storuim. Their solar-plus-storage energy system replaced diesel generators and their high costs of fuel and maintenance. The positive ecological impact was obvious.
Zero Carbon Resorts
Qi Palawan is part of a small group of hotels the belong to the Zero Carbon Resorts for Sustainable Tourism. This project aims to raise awareness and to reduce the carbon footprint of energy services in the tourism sector by switching to using renewable energy sources. It will also stimulate the local production and use of green technologies for buildings. [Read more on Energy Woes of El Nido]
Transition to Solar
In December 2016, using Cenag Solar, they installed a 42 kWp solar system with a battery capacity of 128 kWh, more than enough to power the resort’s seven rooms and restaurant. This allowed them to have the title of the first mainland resort to go nearly 100% solar. 85-95% of the energy comes directly from solar and the batteries charged from solar. Once the batteries hit a certain level a generator automatically turns on to charge the batteries. However, the generator is used quietly minimally and there’s a smart battery system that monitors everything. Each year Qi Palawan estimates it saves over 12,500 with their conversion, roughly over 32 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions not emitted. In tree talk that’s about 1000 carbon offset trees planted a year.
See Art Cafe’s on Solar Efforts as well
Contact them:
Qi Palawan is also responsible for a lot of the kiteboarding up in the North! Message them on their socials or check out their website.
