Cormoran Lodge: The Energy Revolution for 98% Self-Sufficiency
GoShop Energy is installing a hybrid solar system at Cormoran Lodge in the Karongi-Kibuye district, providing 98% energy self-sufficiency and an enhanced customer experience.
50%
CO2 reduction
50%
energy saving
6.000
tons produced every year
Located in the heart of Kibuye, in the Karongi district, Cormoran Lodge offers an exceptional setting, combining breathtaking views with absolute tranquility. But behind this unique experience, the lodge faced a major challenge: an unstable, costly, and restrictive energy supply. This situation disrupted daily operations and directly impacted the guest experience.
To address these issues, the use of a generator has become essential. However, this solution was far from ideal: it resulted in significant fuel consumption—estimated at 60 liters of diesel per month—and high maintenance costs of approximately $150,000 per month to keep the generator running smoothly.
The lodge was thus caught in a vicious cycle: dependence on the grid coupled with heavy reliance on the generator, resulting in high operating costs and limited reliability.
A sustainable solution for Cormoran Lodge
In light of this situation, GoShop Energy designed and installed a custom hybrid solution to meet the specific needs of Cormoran Lodge.
The installation is based on a combination of complementary, high-performance equipment:
- 104 620 Wc solar panels, for a total capacity of 64.4 kWc,
- 3 Victron 15 kVA inverters, ensuring smart and stable energy management,
- 1 Fronius 27 kW inverter, optimizing solar production,
- 28 BYD 5 kWh batteries, providing a total storage capacity of 140 kWh
This hybrid system ensures the autonomous and continuous production, storage, and distribution of energy, even in the event of a grid failure.
Each component was selected and sized to meet the site’s requirements: actual consumption, peak activity periods, service continuity, and the lodge’s operational constraints.
Results and Impact
The installed system has reduced Cormoran Lodge’s energy costs, providing it with greater energy self-sufficiency of approximately 98%. Operations are no longer disrupted by power outages, and the generator is now used only on a very occasional basis. This reduced reliance on diesel significantly lowers fuel costs, maintenance expenses, and operational constraints.
These improvements directly translate into greater comfort for guests, increased service continuity, and smoother internal operations.
Beyond technical and economic performance, the impact is also environmental and strategic. By integrating solar energy into its daily operations, Cormoran Lodge reduces its carbon footprint and meets the growing expectations of a clientele sensitive to environmental issues. This transition also creates better working conditions for staff by limiting interruptions, noise, and constraints associated with the generator.
“Since we switched to solar power, the stability of our electrical grid has become a real asset: our customers now choose our facility to hold their video conferences with complete peace of mind,” confirmed
The Cormoran Lodge project demonstrates that an energy constraint can become a genuine strategic opportunity—a driver of change and growth—when it is properly scaled, reliable, and tailored to the site’s actual needs.
Reduce your costs, secure your operations, and achieve up to 98% energy self-sufficiency with GoShop Energy.
Contact us https://www.goshop.cd/contact-us
GoShop Energy, Your Energy Provider
Products used in this project
BYD LV Flex - 5.0kWh - 48V-51.2 V
Fronius Eco 27.0-3-S WLAN/LAN/web server
