Year One with Solar: Tracking the 130,000 kWh Output of Our New Panels
If you care about choosing stays that tread lightly on the planet, you’ve likely wondered: how much clean energy can a campsite really produce? At Camping Les Medes, Year One with solar is all about tracking an expected 130,000 kWh of on-site generation and translating that output into real progress toward our long-term sustainability goals—while keeping your holiday comfortable, convenient, and memorable.
In this article, you’ll learn what our 130,000 kWh target means for day-to-day operations, how we approach measurement and continuous improvement, and where we’re headed next on our roadmap to 50% solar by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
Key facts at a glance
- System size: 270 photovoltaic panels (installed January 2023)
- Annual generation (expected): about 130,000 kWh
- Share of electricity demand (expected): roughly 25–30%
- Roadmap: 50% of consumption covered by solar by 2030, and 100% by 2050
- Environmental commitment: ISO 14001 environmental-management system in place since 1999
What 130,000 kWh means for our campsite
When we say “130,000 kWh,” we’re referring to the amount of electricity our solar installation is expected to generate over a year. A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a standard unit of energy; for example, a 1 kW device running for one hour uses 1 kWh. It’s a clear way to compare how much power we produce versus how much we use.
- At Camping Les Medes, about 130,000 kWh per year equates to roughly 25–30% of our total electricity demand.
- This clean energy directly supports daily operations—helping power facilities and services—while reducing reliance on grid electricity.
- Over time, as we optimize how and when we use electricity, solar can offset an even larger share of our needs in line with our strategic targets.
Quick reference table
| Milestone | Target |
|---|---|
| Annual solar generation (expected) | About 130,000 kWh |
| Share of total electricity demand (expected) | Roughly 25–30% |
| 2030 goal | 50% from solar |
| 2050 goal | 100% from solar |
How we set up Year One with solar
In January 2023, we installed 270 photovoltaic panels on site. This investment was a natural next step in a journey that began years earlier: since 1999, Camping Les Medes has operated an ISO 14001 environmental-management system to care for, control, and minimize our environmental impact.
- Our system’s day-to-day operation has been stewarded since 2000 by Joan Francesc Recio “Siscu”, whose hands-on oversight helps translate high-level commitments into consistent on-the-ground practices.
- The solar installation slots into this framework, turning sustainability into something you can literally see on our rooftops and experience through cleaner energy use across the property.
From a technology standpoint, photovoltaic panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity, which inverters transform into alternating current (AC) for regular use. Seasonal patterns influence output—longer, sunnier days typically yield more production—so tracking across months helps build a realistic performance profile.
Tracking progress: from baseline to long-term goals
Year One is about building a solid baseline against our 130,000 kWh expectation and understanding how solar integrates with our daily operations across the seasons.
Our baseline and goals
- Baseline output: About 130,000 kWh per year expected from 270 panels.
- Near-term share: Roughly 25–30% of total electricity demand expected to be covered.
- 2030 milestone: 50% of consumption from solar.
- 2050 vision: 100% of consumption from solar.
These goals guide decisions about future upgrades and how we schedule and manage electricity use. They also keep us accountable to steady, measurable progress.
How we track (in practical terms)
- Monthly production reviews: We examine generation patterns across the year to understand seasonal changes and identify optimization opportunities.
- Load alignment: We look for ways to align higher-energy tasks with periods of stronger solar production, where practical.
- Continuous improvement: Findings feed back into our environmental-management system so each year builds on the last.
This approach supports reliable operations while steadily increasing the share of on-site clean energy.
Environmental management in action
Our solar project is part of a broader quality and sustainability culture at Camping Les Medes:
- ISO 14001 environmental-management system (in place since 1999)
- ISO 9001:2000 quality certification
- Catalan Government’s Environmental Quality Guarantee Emblem
- EUROTOP rating by ANWB since 2012
- SUPERPLATZ rating by ADAC since 2013
- Participant in the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism
These recognitions reflect a long-term commitment to responsible operations—not just one-off initiatives.
What this means for your stay
Clean energy should enhance, not complicate, your holiday. While we work toward 50% and then 100% solar coverage, the essentials you value remain firmly in place:
- Open all year: Enjoy L’Estartit and the Costa Brava in every season.
- Comfortable facilities: Two modern sanitary blocks with free hot showers, baby-changing areas, accessible cabins, heated interiors for winter comfort, and a dedicated chemical-toilet station.
- Well-being on site: A sauna next to the indoor heated pool and professional massage treatments, both available year-round for an additional fee.
- Adventure from your doorstep: The Aquàtica diving centre is located inside the campsite (since 2017), offering diving trips, training, and guided snorkelling in the Medes Islands and Montgrí Natural Park.
If you’re planning a longer visit or traveling as a family, explore our accommodation options:
- Bungalows for a relaxed, self-contained stay:
- Spacious camping pitches:
- Pitches sized 70–80 m² for up to 6 people, each with a CEE electricity connection (6 A or 10 A); most include individual water and drainage.
Featured answers (quick and clear)
How much energy do the solar panels produce?
About 130,000 kWh per year is expected from our installation.
How many panels are on site?
We installed 270 photovoltaic panels in January 2023.
What share of electricity does solar cover?
Solar is expected to cover roughly 25–30% of our total electricity demand at present.
What are the long-term targets?
Cover 50% of consumption with solar by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
Practical tips: make the most of a low-impact holiday
A few simple choices help you align your stay with our clean-energy goals—without sacrificing comfort:
- Use appliances mindfully. Turn off lights and devices when not in use. Small changes add up.
- Time high-energy tasks. Where it suits your routine, plan laundry or cooking during daylight hours to better align with solar production.
- Choose the right pitch connection. Match your 6 A or 10 A electricity needs to your actual usage to avoid over-specifying.
- Pack efficient gear. LED lights and efficient chargers help reduce draw without compromising convenience.
- Stay curious. Ask our team about how solar supports the site—learning is part of the experience.
Conclusion: year one sets the tone for the journey ahead
Year One with solar is a milestone and a starting line. An expected 130,000 kWh of clean energy shows what’s possible today, while our 2030 and 2050 targets keep us focused on the future. We’re committed to steady, transparent progress—so every time you visit Camping Les Medes, you’re part of a more sustainable Costa Brava.
Ready to plan your next low-impact escape? Book your stay, or contact us at +34 972 75 18 05 or info@campinglesmedes.com. We’re open all year and look forward to welcoming you.