In my previous article about Glamping at Cardamom tented camp, I mentioned about how isolated the glamping site is. The site is located in the middle of the jungle so its electricity relies mainly on solar power. In similar resorts or business premises in remoted areas in Cambodia often use solar power as the absent in electricity. Alternatively, the generator is used but it also costs a lot as the gasoline prices surge from time to time. In the past, for houses, we use battery that was filled by the generator.
Cardamom tented camp concepts is 100% eco friendly, no plastic while water is refilled and waste can be recycled and electricity is 100% on solar system. The camp has 9 tents so maximum 20 guests per time. However, it is not very cheap to install solar panel, as well as with its maintenance fee.
Based on the photos, there are 33 solar grids that could provide enough power to 9 tents + the office. In the room, there are fans and lamp then, sucket for when you rechrage your phone battery. Then, there are lights at public areas such as on the way. The battery is available for 12hours+, especially the whole night. Most guests used them at night while during the day they go out for outdoor activities such as trekking, kayaking, swimming or ziplining.
It is not cheap either to have the solar panel. I heard that the solar panel installation fee is something around 20,000USD but I could remember wrong.
Since it is very remote, no phone service, and so much sun, the solar is the suitable option.
I hear often about panel solar energy but here in remote area most of us use turbine and water for energy electricity.or use gasssoline or petrol but that expensive.
Thank you dear @Nyainurjanah yes, only big business they would have solar panels, especially resorts that need a lot of energy. In the house, it is expensive to have that.
Behalf of Bangladesh Local Guides we arrange a few meetups focusing on renewable energy । last September we visit a SOlar factory to learn more about this
The only thing that is disappointing is that the potted the panel covering the grass, while they can easily put them over the tenths, avoid to cover the soil.
I am a self producer of green energy. With the solar panel on my rooftop I produce energy that I distribute on the grid, when more energy is required by the businesses (during the day).
However I agree with @Nyainurjanah that, where possible, in remote areas a water turbine is more useful because it can gives energy also during the night.
There are actually water turbines that work without a dam, and provides energy 24/7.
Thank you for your great inputs @ErmesT water turbine is lesser known or least common here but you just reminded me about two businesses that used the water. One is Oramis resort in Mondulkiri. I went to have dinner at that resort in 2018. Cannot recall if I had some photos of the place. Another one is the local who lives in the forest in Battambang. He produces his own own energy at the stream at home. I will need to check the video for that one.
It makes total sense with no phone service and loads of sunshine. Solar grids powering up the tents and keeping those fans, lights, and phone chargers running are a win-win.
Yeah, you’re spot on about the costs. Installing solar panels can be a bit of a wallet-squeezer, not to mention the maintenance fees. And, hey, you mentioned there are over 30 solar grids there, which isn’t cheap either. Plus, let’s not forget about the cons of solar energy. While it’s great for the environment and all, it does have its downsides. Solar panels need a good chunk of space, and if something goes wrong, repairs can be pricey. Oh, and when the sun decides to take a break, you might need backup power, which can also add to the expenses.
