Thousands of Happy Clients: Coloria's Commercial Solar Panels Success Stories

Back in 2023, the Al-Mansoori Group had a bold vision: to build Riyadh's first net-zero energy commercial tower. Their 20-story office building was set to house over 500 employees, and they wanted to lead by example in Saudi Arabia's push toward sustainability under Vision 2030. But there was a problem: sourcing reliable solar panels that could withstand Riyadh's scorching summers (temperatures often hit 45°C!) and integrating them with the building's existing electrical systems.

"We'd talked to three suppliers before Coloria," says Omar Al-Mansoori, the project director. "One couldn't guarantee the panels would perform in our climate; another quoted a delivery time that would delay our opening by six months. Then we met Coloria's team. They didn't just sell us solar panels—they walked us through the entire process: from designing the rooftop layout to coordinating with our electricians, and even training our maintenance staff."

Coloria's solution? A custom mix of high-efficiency solar panels (rated to perform at 92% capacity even in extreme heat) paired with energy storage batteries. But here's where the "one-stop" magic kicked in: since Coloria also supplied the building's lighting, HVAC systems, and even the ceiling materials, they could optimize the entire building's energy use. "It wasn't just about generating power—it was about using it smarter," Omar explains. "Coloria's team suggested LED lights with motion sensors and insulated ceiling panels that reduced cooling costs by 30%. That synergy made all the difference."

The Royal Horizon Hotel in Jeddah is a luxury beachfront property with 300 rooms, five restaurants, and a sprawling pool area. By 2022, their energy bills were spiraling out of control—air conditioning alone accounted for 60% of their monthly costs, and guests were starting to complain about inconsistent water temperatures (a big no-no in the hospitality industry). The hotel's general manager, Fatima Al-Zahrani, knew they needed a change.

"We'd tried small fixes—changing to LED bulbs, adjusting thermostat settings—but the savings were minimal," Fatima recalls. "Then a colleague mentioned Coloria. I was skeptical at first—how could a building materials supplier solve our energy problems? But their team spent two weeks auditing our hotel, room by room. They didn't just look at the roof; they checked our plumbing, our kitchen appliances, even the pool pumps."

Coloria's plan was ambitious: install solar panels on the hotel's rooftop and parking lot canopies, upgrade to energy-efficient kitchen appliances (they supplied the hotel's ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers), and ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ the old copper plumbing with low-flow fixtures. "The solar panels were the star, of course," Fatima says. "But the little things added up. Their PPR pipes reduced water waste by 25%, and the new kitchen appliances cut our gas bill by 30%. It was like getting a whole building upgrade, not just a solar system."

The result? The hotel's monthly energy bills dropped from SAR 120,000 to SAR 72,000—a 40% reduction. "Our guests noticed the difference too," Fatima adds. "No more cold showers, and the pool area stays perfectly lit with solar-powered lights. We even won 'Green Hotel of the Year' in 2024. Coloria didn't just save us money—they helped us build a reputation."

Green Valley Mall in Dammam isn't your average shopping center. With over 100 stores, a cinema, and a food court, it's a community hub—but by 2021, its energy costs were threatening its profitability. "We were spending SAR 150,000 a month on electricity," says Khalid Ibrahim, the mall's operations manager. "Our tenants were complaining about high utility fees, and we were struggling to attract new brands. We needed a solution that was both cost-effective and aligned with our 'green mall' branding."

Khalid's team reached out to Coloria after seeing their work on the Al-Mansoori Tower. "What sold us was their local presence," he says. "Coloria has an office in Riyadh, so their project manager was on-site twice a week during installation. No waiting for international support—they were there when we needed them."

Coloria proposed a dual-system approach: solar panels on the mall's vast rooftop and a "solar glass" façade on the south-facing exterior. The glass panels (part of Coloria's architectural façade solutions) generate electricity while still letting in natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting. "Our tenants loved it," Khalid laughs. "Stores reported that customers stayed longer because the natural light made the space feel more open. Sales in those stores went up by 15%!"

But the real challenge? Coordinating installation without disrupting mall operations. "We couldn't close during the day—retail is all about foot traffic," Khalid explains. "Coloria's team worked nights and weekends, and they finished a week ahead of schedule. They even cleaned up after themselves—you wouldn't have known they were there, except for the solar panels going up!"