Abstract
The tourism industry has seen a consistent rise in energy demands due to the growing adoption of energy-intensive technologies. This study investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating solar thermal systems into small Malaysian resorts, focusing specifically on chalet in Penang, Malaysia. The main objective is to boost the sustainability of these establishments by utilizing clean, renewable solar energy, thereby decreasing reliance on traditional fossil fuels. This study has two primary objectives: first, to determine the optimal size of system components, including solar collectors, using Solar Heat Industrial Processes (SHIP) Tools; and second, to conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis that considers installation costs, operational expenses, and potential revenue from excess energy sales. Four different solar thermal collectors, consisting of both flat plate collectors and evacuated tube collectors, represent four scenarios that are conceptualized and evaluated for cost-effectiveness and overall efficiency using SHIP tools. The SHIP tools simulation results reveal that the optimal solar collector configuration consists of three collectors per row in a single row, which is adequate for the designated chalet. This setup results in an investment cost of MYR 65,221. The simple payback period is just 2.5 y, making it the shortest time required to recover the installation costs. Scenario 1 emerges as the most advantageous option, balancing all analyzed parameters. This study provides a pathway to advance sustainable energy solutions tailored to the specific needs of chalet facilities in Malaysia. It serves as a benchmark for sustainable tourism development, demonstrating that integrating solar thermal systems can significantly reduce energy consumption and promote environmental stewardship in the tourism sector.
