Ca l’Enric, with more than a century of history, has taken a decisive step towards sustainability. With a solar installation of 161 panels, the restaurant has reduced its energy costs from €24,000 to just €6,000 per year and avoidedCO2 emissions equivalent to 1,700 trees.
Initial situation: a restaurant with high electricity consumption
Ca l’Enric is a company dedicated to lodging and restaurant services since 1882. As is the case in the sector, the business has high electricity consumption for kitchens, refrigeration and air conditioning. “Being completely dependent on the electricity grid, the energy costs were very high. In these cases, industrial photovoltaics is one of the most effective solutions for reducing consumption and emissions.”.
The objective of the project was clear: to drastically reduce energy costs and, at the same time, reduce theCO2 emissions associated with its activity.
The study: a conservative and realistic forecast
We conducted a customized energy study considering hourly consumption, roof orientation and peak demand. The proposal was an 80 kWp solar self-consumption installation without batteries, optimized to take advantage of daytime production.
Initial forecast: estimated savings of 50% and amortization in 3 years. The reality has been even more favorable.
Technical data of the study
- Previous consumption: 165,060 kWh/year
- Technology: 161 solar panels on roof tiles with two inverters
- Subsidy applied: 30 % IBI rebate for 3 years
- Installation date: October 2022
- Duration of work: 10 days
- Total cost: 52,000 €.
- Estimated amortization: 3 years
Installation: technical details
An 80 kWp photovoltaic self-consumption system without batteries was installed, with 161 modules on a tile roof and two high-performance inverters, optimized for the restaurant’s consumption profile (peaks in daytime service).
The real results: a textbook success story
- From €24,000 to €6,000 per year in electricity bill.
- Actual savings: €18,000 per year.
- Amortization of less than 3 years; thereafter, net profit.
- All this without batteries and without major construction site complications.
Additional benefits
- 30% IBI rebate for 3 years.
- More energy autonomy and protection against electricity price increases.
- Positive environmental impact: reduction of emissions equivalent to 1,700 trees planted.
Real testimony
“Our cuisine has always been committed to local products and sustainability. Now, with solar energy, we go one step further: we reduce costs and take care of the environment that gives us our identity.”
– Juncà Parés family, owners of Ca l’Enric
How much could you save?
Each business is different, but with a customized solar self-consumption study, the profitability is evident. In restaurants and hotels, the payback is usually less than 4 years.
Summary of the case in figures
| Type of installation | Self-consumption without batteries (80 kWp) |
|---|---|
| Previous consumption | 165,060 kWh/year |
| Estimated savings | 11,000 €/year |
| Actual savings | 18,000 €/year |
| Investment | 52.000 € (2022) |
| Subsidy applied | 30 % IBI reduction (3 years) |
| Amortization period | < 3 years |
| Emissions avoided | ≈ 1,700 trees/year (equivalent). |
