Malang (malangkota.go.id) – Although the government has long encouraged the use of renewable energy, in reality many people still use primary energy. Among them are petroleum and coal.
Seeing this, a brilliant idea emerged from the Community Service Team by Students (PMM) of the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) partnering with lecturers to design a solar power plant (PLTS). Uniquely, this renewable energy idea was implemented in a mosque, precisely in the KH Ahmad Dahlan Mosque in Malang.
Damas Yudha Muzakki, one of the team members, said that most mosques in Indonesia still rely on electricity from PLN. Likewise with the mosque and the Aisyiyah Quran Education Park (TPQ) building and the childcare center at the location. "At least, the use of this PLTS can reduce the use of electricity that mosques usually use," he added.
Damas, his nickname, explained that the PLTS he initiated has four solar panels. Plus one inverter and one battery installed. Damas explained that the PLTS is capable of producing 800 watts of electricity.
This amount is considered capable of supplying the electricity needs for electronic devices in the three buildings. "The design of this PLTS costs quite a lot of money. Alhamdulillah we get most of the costs through a program from UMM," he continued.
Meanwhile, during the handover ceremony, Sugiyanto as the Head of Takmir of KH Ahmad Dahlan Mosque thanked UMM students who had installed the PLTS. With this innovation, the mosque can save on electricity bills every month. "Of course it is very helpful and can reduce electricity costs. Hopefully our mosque can inspire mosques in other areas, especially Malang," said Sugiyanto.
In addition to the PLTS, the student service team also installed an automatic smart breaker. With this feature, the lights in the three buildings can be turned on automatically through the smart home application. This will also contribute to helping reduce electricity costs that are usually incurred by the mosque. They even installed CCTV as a form of prevention if a crime occurs.
Damas was not alone in formulating his ideas and dedication. He was accompanied by Ahmad Nawawi, Yuslih Ariawan, Firmansyah, and Amir Ma'sum. On another occasion, Novendra Setyawan, ST, MT as the supervising lecturer hoped that this PLTS innovation would be able to provide motivation for the wider community, especially the Malang area.
He also wants citizens to be aware of the current condition of the Earth. "We hope that in the future alternative energy like this can better support the energy needs in Indonesia," he concluded. (say/ram)
