In Rimini, the solar electric hotel: panels, charging stations, Tesla, and the ID. Buzz bus

In Viserbella, in the northern part of Rimini, there is a hotel focusing on energy transition. It is the Hotel Viking owned by Andrea Antonioli, a hotel entrepreneur. His approach combines photovoltaic systems, energy storage, charging stations for guests and vehicles, and electric cars to reduce consumption, costs, and emissions.

Solar energy has been used at Viking in Rimini for years

The investment in renewable energy didn’t start today. “We’ve had solar thermal systems for heating water and the pool for years,” Antonioli explains. However, in recent months the project has improved significantly with the installation of new photovoltaic systems: 10 kW in a hotel service area and another 20 kW on the hotel’s rooftops, bringing the total capacity to nearly 40 kW.

The next step will be energy storage. “Once the installation is complete, we will also install a battery to use the energy produced during the day at night.” This investment builds on ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency, including fully LED lighting, state-of-the-art air conditioners, and the gradual replacement of more energy-intensive appliances.

The goal is ambitious. “According to my calculations, I should be able to reduce the total bill by about two-thirds.” Verification will only come after a full season of operation, but the prospects are encouraging. This is especially true since the first solar panel system installed years ago has already brought benefits in terms of self-consumption.

The hotel’s car is a Tesla, with 22 kW charging stations for guests

Sustainability, however, doesn’t stop at electricity production. For several months now, the hotel owner has been using a Tesla for the hotel’s daily operations and is awaiting the arrival of an eight-seater electric van, a Volkswagen ID. Buzz, intended for transporting guests.

We’ll use it both for the hotel’s needs and to take guests to the train station, airport, or the Rimini Fairgrounds,” explains Antonioli. This choice seems particularly sensible given that the hotel is located just a few kilometers from the exhibition area. “The fair is three or four kilometers away, and it can be reached in minutes with an electric vehicle.”

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Viking also offers 22 kW charging stations for guests, currently two but set to increase to four. Charging is paid for, but with a clear philosophy: maintaining competitive prices. “We charge rates very close to Tesla’s, making them among the most affordable on the market.”

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Early responses from customers have been encouraging. During the summer, the service was mainly used by guests who already drove electric vehicles. “They were very satisfied with the convenience of being able to charge directly inside the hotel and with the affordable prices.”

WATCH THE VIDEO WITH THE INTERVIEW TO ANDREA ANTONIOLI

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