Community-Based Solar Energy Socialization: A Collaborative Model for Sustainable Energy Transition in Vocational Education

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive approach to promoting solar energy adoption in vocational education through community-based socialization at SMKS Panca Budi, Indonesia. The research addresses the critical challenge of rising electricity costs in educational institutions, which have increased by approximately 10% annually over the past five years. Through an international collaboration between Universitas Pembangunan Panca Budi and Universiti Malaysia Perlis, this initiative implemented a 50 kW solar panel system capable of meeting 30% of the school's energy requirements. The socialization program employed multiple strategies including stakeholder coordination, technical training workshops, community outreach sessions, and policy advocacy. Results demonstrate that community engagement significantly enhances acceptance and adoption rates of renewable energy technologies, with increased awareness among 800+ participants. The program successfully integrated practical solar energy education into the vocational curriculum, producing significant improvements in student knowledge from 42% to 78% on assessment measures and practical skills competency rates of 82-95%. Economic analysis reveals substantial long-term cost savings of USD 7,200-9,600 annually with a payback period of 7-8 years. This collaborative model addresses financial, technical, and awareness barriers while contributing to Indonesia's renewable energy target of 23% by 2025. The study concludes that community-based approaches provide an effective framework for sustainable energy transition in educational institutions, with potential for replication across other vocational schools.