Improving Tourism Facilities through the Use of Solar Panels for Photo Area Lighting at Tanjung Gading KM.12 Balikpapan

Abstract

Tanjung Gading KM.12 Balikpapan has great potential as a natural tourism destination; however, the limited lighting infrastructure remains a barrier to its development. This community service program aims to improve tourism facilities by utilizing solar panels as an environmentally friendly lighting source in the photo area. The program was carried out over five months and consisted of three stages: preparation, implementation, and evaluation. The preparation stage included field surveys and questionnaire distribution, while implementation involved designing a hollow-iron frame, installing solar panels, assembling the electrical system, and conducting maintenance outreach. Evaluation was conducted through system trials and follow-up questionnaires. The results showed that the installation of solar panels successfully improved the comfort, safety, and aesthetics of the tourist area. Questionnaire analysis revealed a significant increase in community understanding of the benefits, operation, and maintenance of solar panels following the outreach activities. In addition to providing technical solutions, this program also fostered community empowerment through active participation in facility maintenance. The program aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly clean energy and sustainable tourism, and can be replicated in other tourist areas.

Keywords: solar panels, renewable energy, sustainable tourism, community empowerment, Balikpapan