GadgetroniX – Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge (Tanzania)

Who, What & Where

• GadgetroniX
• Supply and installation of solar panels, solar water pumps, and Grundfos inverters
• Serengeti, Tanzania

The Company

GadgetroniX is a leading distributor of globally renowned solar, water, security & surveillance, and communication equipment in Tanzania. Working with a team of highly competent staff including over seventy expert technicians employed full-time, a group of electrical/mechanical engineers, and quantity surveyors, has enabled GadgetroniX to specialise in an array of areas including communication, energy systems, water systems, electric vehicles, mobile signal boosters, networking, and security & surveillance systems.

GadgetroniX represents several well-recognised international companies in the pursuit of developing, testing, and promoting clean energy technologies and other services to empower individuals and businesses.

The Challenge

Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge, located deep in the Serengeti, faced significant energy challenges. Due to its remote location, access to grid electricity was not an option, leaving the lodge dependent on costly and environmentally harmful diesel generators. This resulted in:

• High operational costs – Frequent refueling and generator maintenance were expensive.
• Unreliable power supply – Generators required regular servicing, leading to occasional power interruptions.
• Environmental concerns – The lodge sought to reduce its carbon footprint and transition to a greener energy solution.

To maintain high service standards for guests and staff while embracing sustainability, a reliable off-grid solar power system was needed.

Renewable Solution

GadgetroniX implemented a robust off-grid solar solution designed to meet the lodge’s energy demands while ensuring efficiency and sustainability. The system includes:

• 212.55 kWp of PV panels – These solar panels capture and convert sunlight into electricity to power the entire lodge, including laundry facilities, water pumps, and staff areas.
• 400 kWh of battery storage – The high-capacity battery storage ensures continuous energy availability, even at night or during low-sunlight conditions.
• 2 x ATESS HPS 100 kW hybrid inverter/charger – These hybrid inverters efficiently manage the power supply, ensuring smooth distribution and optimal energy usage.
• Remote monitoring via Atess Enerlog – This system allows real-time monitoring and management of energy usage, optimising performance and ensuring immediate response to any issues.

Project Outcome

• Uninterrupted power supply – The lodge now operates seamlessly with a consistent and reliable power source.
• Significant cost savings – By reducing diesel dependency, the lodge has lowered operational expenses and maintenance costs.
• Lower carbon emissions – The transition to solar power has drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions, supporting eco-friendly tourism initiatives.
• Enhanced guest experience – Reliable electricity ensures smooth operations, from hot water availability to seamless laundry services.
• Energy independence – The lodge is no longer reliant on external fuel sources, ensuring energy security.
• Smart energy management – The Atess Enerlog remote monitoring system allows real-time tracking and optimisation of energy usage.

By implementing this off-grid solar power system, Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge has taken a significant step towards sustainable tourism, demonstrating that luxury and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.