• By Sogy Energy Indonesia
• 24 Mar, 2025
• About PLTS

Solar Energy for SMEs: Mangungharjo's "Bandeng Presto" (Pressure-Cooked Milkfish) Becomes More Productive with Solar Power Plant

Solar Energy for SMEs: Mangungharjo's "Bandeng Presto" (Pressure-Cooked Milkfish) Becomes More Productive with Solar Power Plant, Synergistic Collaboration with Politeknik Negeri Semarang (POLINES)

Mangungharjo, Semarang - The distinctive savory aroma of "bandeng presto" now blends with the spirit of innovation at the Mangungharjo "bandeng presto" SME center. A breath of fresh air is blowing, bringing hope for more efficient production, lower operational costs, and of course, a tangible contribution to the environment. The implementation of a Solar Power Plant (PLTS) is the driving force behind this positive change, realized thanks to a strong synergy between local SMEs and the Politeknik Negeri Semarang (Polines).

"Bandeng presto" has long been a culinary icon of Semarang, and Mangungharjo is the heart of this home-based industry. However, like SMEs in general, the "bandeng presto" entrepreneurs here are not immune to challenges, one of which is the continuously rising cost of electricity. This very condition then sparked an innovative idea to harness the abundant potential of solar energy in this country.

Responding positively to this need, the Politeknik Negeri Semarang (POLINES), through its community service program, recognized the significant potential to empower SMEs through renewable energy technology. With their expertise and resources, a team from Polines collaborated with the "bandeng presto" entrepreneurs in Mangungharjo to implement a solar power plant system tailored to their production needs.

Synergy of Knowledge and Practice: Rooftop Solar Power Plant for Mutual Progress

This solar power plant implementation project involved a series of measured stages. The Polines team conducted an in-depth study of the energy needs of each business unit, the potential of their rooftops for solar panel installation, and calculations for optimal system efficiency. The result was a rooftop solar power plant design tailored to the production scale of each SME.

The installation process of the solar power plant directly involved the entrepreneurs and workers of the SMEs, accompanied by experts from Polines. Knowledge transfer was a primary focus of this collaboration. The SME actors not only received a ready-to-use solar power plant system but also gained a fundamental understanding of its workings, maintenance, and the potential for future development of solar energy systems.

Real Impact: Increased Production, Reduced Costs, Preserved Environment

The implementation of this solar power plant has yielded significant positive impacts for the "bandeng presto" SMEs in Mangungharjo. Some of the tangible benefits experienced include:

• Reduced Operational Costs: Electricity expenses, which had been a significant burden, can now be drastically reduced, increasing the profit margins for entrepreneurs.
• Peningkatan Produktivitas: Dengan pasokan listrik yang lebih stabil dan terjangkau, proses produksi bandeng presto menjadi lebih lancar dan potensi peningkatan volume produksi semakin besar.
• Greener Product Image: The use of solar energy adds value to Mangungharjo's "bandeng presto" products as environmentally friendly, enhancing competitiveness in a market that is increasingly concerned with sustainability issues.
• Local Community Empowerment: This project not only provides economic benefits but also empowers the community through knowledge transfer and increased awareness of the importance of renewable energy.

Sustainable Collaboration for a Brighter Future for SMEs.

The collaboration between the Mangungharjo "bandeng presto" SMEs and the Politeknik Negeri Semarang serves as a concrete example of how synergy between the academic world and business actors can yield beneficial innovations. The implementation of the solar power plant is not just a technical solution but also a strategic step to enhance the competitiveness, sustainability, and welfare of local SMEs.

It is hoped that this success can inspire other SMEs in Semarang and throughout Indonesia to start exploring the potential of solar energy as a smart and sustainable solution. With support from educational institutions and the government, a more productive, efficient, and environmentally friendly future for Indonesian SMEs is no longer just a dream.