Empowering Indonesian Schools: Enhancing Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Through Solar Solutions

Globally, the transition to renewable energy is crucial to achieve the ambitious target of zero emissions by 2050. Despite Indonesia's significant solar power potential, only 0.08% has been harnessed. Notably, in regions like Jakarta, where sunlight persists for an average of 5-6 hours daily, Indonesia stands as a prime candidate for solar energy development. This article investigates the potential for emissions reduction and energy conservation by deploying solar panels in Jakarta's schools. The findings highlight the substantial potential for cost savings, revealing that schools could realize a 15% reduction in electricity costs by integrating solar energy. Furthermore, the environmentally-friendly nature of solar energy, devoid of polluting by-products, underscores the potential contribution of schools to preserving the Earth's ecosystem. Despite these advantages, implementation encounters challenges. High initial costs pose a significant barrier, compounded by schools awaiting subsidy policies and seeking clarity on efficiency benchmarks. In Indonesia, government subsidies predominantly target conventional energy sources, such as fuel oil and electric vehicles, leaving solar initiatives without specific support. This paper emphasizes the urgent need for robust government support to incentivize and facilitate the widespread adoption of solar power in Indonesian schools. With a substantial solar power potential of 200,000 MW, supportive policies are imperative to catalyze sustainability efforts and empower schools to participate actively in environmental conservation.