Energy Consumption in Lodges and Guesthouses in Lesotho: Insights from Audits and Solar Water Heating

Abstract

This study examines energy consumption in selected lodges and guesthouses in Lesotho through energy audits to identify major demand drivers and opportunities to improve energy efficiency. The hospitality sector is increasingly important to Lesotho’s economy; however, limited data exist on how energy is used within the sector and where savings can be achieved. Energy audits were conducted in eight facilities of differing sizes, combining walkthrough surveys, utility bill analysis, and end-use assessment of lighting, water heating, space heating/cooling, and cleaning. Annual electricity consumption across the audited facilities ranged from approximately 7.6 MWh to 94 MWh, with water heating accounting for an average of about 53% of total electricity demand. Energy use was further analysed using an Excel-based energy modelling framework, after which solar water heating systems were evaluated as a potential intervention using T-SOL simulation software. The simulation results indicate that solar thermal systems can supply an average of 87.3% of annual hot water demand, yielding an average of 1217 kWh/m2 of useful solar energy, depending on system size. This corresponds to estimated electricity savings of 5.3 to 43.3 MWh annually, together with a significant average reduction of 285.4 kg/room in CO₂ emissions associated with electric water heating. Economic analysis indicates payment periods between 2.0 and 4.8 years, demonstrating the financial viability of solar thermal systems for hospitality facilities. The findings highlight the strong technical and economic potential of integrating solar thermal technologies to improve energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in Lesotho’s hospitality sector.