1Energy was awarded the contract to design and install the Xigera Energy Centre: a sophisticated 400kWp offgrid solar hybrid power system in the heart of the Okavango Delta. This is Red Carnation’s first lodge in the Delta and 1Energy is proud to have been selected as their energy partners.
The Solar
The system comprises 400kW of solar PV, with the heart of the power system being five of the latest Tesla Powerpacks, with a power capacity of 285kW, and total available storage capacity of 1.14MWh. The solar system wouldn’t be dubbed a “hybrid” without diesel backup. The Xigera system is backed up by two 350kVA Volvo diesel generators, although the solar system is designed to supply over 95% of Xigera’s energy needs. The generators will run only in the event of extended poor weather conditions, and although still an essential part of the system, will mostly remain idle, saving the lodge an estimated 175 000 liters of diesel, and the environment 500 tons of carbon emissions each year.
As the new custodians of Xigera, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection has a profound love of Africa, with Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat in the Western Cape, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town and the internationally acclaimed Oyster Box in Umhlanga.
World renowned for exceptional service, generous hospitality, extraordinary dining and beautiful interiors, Xigera embodies everything that makes Red Carnation Hotels so unique and special, drawing on their global team’s expertise, reputation for excellence and family-owned-and-run passion.
The Xigera team is led by Mike & Marian Myers, who have over 30 years’ experience in the bush, alongside owner and director Vicki Tollman.