Analysis of The Potential Utilization of Solar Energy for Residential-Scale Photovoltaic (PLTS) Power Generation in Tarutung District

Abstract

Electricity demand in Indonesia continues to increase, while dependence on fossil fuels

remains dominant and vulnerable to global energy price fluctuations. Tarutung Subdistrict,

North Tapanuli Regency, as a tropical highland area at an altitude of 900-1,200 meters above

sea level, has solar radiation potential that has not been optimally utilized for household-scale

Solar Power Plants (PLTS). This study aims to analyze solar energy potential, design an on

grid PLTS system, and assess the economic feasibility of investment for three household

power categories (900 VA, 1,300 VA, and 2,200 VA). The research method uses a descriptive

analytical quantitative approach based on secondary solar radiation data for the 2023-2025

period from NASA POWER and BMKG. The results show an average annual Global

Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 4.29 kWh/m²/day (PSH = 4.29 hours/day) with a coefficient of

variation of only 4.2%, indicating radiation stability throughout the year. The three PLTS

scenarios (1.2 kWp, 2.0 kWp, and 3.5 kWp) are able to meet 104-117% of daily electricity

needs. Economic analysis shows a Payback Period of 4.8-6.8 years, a positive NPV of IDR

22.75-67.39 million, an IRR of 17.8-22.7%, and an LCOE of IDR 412-525/kWh, only 24-

36% of the PLN tariff. PLTS implementation also has the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions

by 1.19-3.48 tons per year per system. These results indicate that rooftop on-grid PLTS

investment in Tarutung is feasible to highly feasible technically, economically, and

environmentally.