Whoever said luxury end eco-friendly couldn't be used in the same sentence?
Expat Peter Spahn has just installed what is believed to be Europe's first solar-heated at a sumptuous retreat in the Marina Baixa region of Alicante.
Using the ROOS system from Germany, Spahn has given the Finca Los Almendros an 38-41°C water termperature for their jacuzzi from May until September this year.
Dr. Georg Biernat, owner of the Finca, used to rely on a gas burner to heat the jacuzzi for guests.
But after installing both solar central heating and the ROOS system's solar-rapid collector, Biernat has slashed his annual €4,000 gas bill to zero so far this year.
"The ROOS team have never done this before, so I had to re-programme the control unit for the higher heat required for a hot tub," Spahn, 58, told the Olive Press.
"Swimming pools are heated to around 30 degrees from June-August, so this needed higher temperature. The Owner has now not turned on his gas burner for the entire period of use this year. The saved gas is also an aspect of climate protection, so I'm very happy that it worked nicely."
Spahn estimates he has worked with 160 clients since he has set up his EnReal business in 1996. He installs both solar central heating units and the ROOS system for heatin swimming pools and says the Spanish market has been slow to capitalise on non-photovoltaic solar power.
"The bay area of Benidorm and Altea is the warmest spot in continental Spain. It's a marvellous climate", Spahn said. "The vast majority of us moved to Spain for the sun, but I really don't unterstand why don't make the most of it."
Finca Los Almendros general manager Dr. Georg Biernat added he was "very glad, with the results."
"The surprising fact was indeed that the gas burner has not been used at all betweenMay and the end of September," Biernat said.
"I will certainly save gas and money - good for the climate and my pocket."