Evaluation of Solar-Powered Street Lighting Performance at Kamijoro Bridge, Yogyakarta

Abstract

Indonesia's fossil fuel dependence has led to significant environmental problems, including greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and ecosystem degradation. Given its location along the equator, Indonesia has enormous potential for harnessing solar energy. This research evaluates the solar insolation potential of solar-powered street lighting (PJU-TS) installed at Kamijoro Bridge, Yogyakarta. Solar radiation data were obtained from NASA POWER, while light intensity was measured in the field using a Lux Meter. Results show that average solar radiation intensity at the site was 251.87 W/m², equivalent to a theoretical energy yield of 163.77 kWh/day under ideal conditions with a 17% PV efficiency. Field measurements demonstrated that PJU-TS 3 achieved the highest illumination (589 Lux at 18:00 WIB), although the intensity declined throughout the night. Luminance calculations confirmed compliance with the Indonesian quality standard SKh 1.9.7. These findings demonstrate the viability of solar street lighting for public infrastructure and provide recommendations for improving system stability, monitoring, and maintenance.