TERAPAN (SOLAR TECHNOLOGY ON FISHING BOATS) AS AN INNOVATION TO REDUCE THE OPERATIONAL COSTS OF FISHING ACTIVITIES

Abstract

The operating costs of fishing vessels are dominated by the use of fuel. In most cases, a Jukung boat operated for ca 8 hours in a day requires 20 - 30 liters of diesel fuel or is equivalent to 60% of the total expenditure. TERAPAN, the solar technology installed on the roof of fishing boats, is one of the technological breakthroughs that can be employed as an alternative of replacing electricity sources from oil-fuelled generators. The outcome of TERAPAN is the reduction in ship operating costs and the risk of air pollution from the exposure of gas coming from the generator itself. The application of TERAPAN also supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) encompassing Affordable and Clean Energy, Life Below Water and Climate Action. This scientific paper aims to examine the installation and economic feasibility of solar panels to meet the lighting and navigation needs of fishing boats with a power between 450 and 900 watts. From the results, one fishing boat requires two 12 volt 50 Wp solar panel, a solar charger, a 12-volt 50 Ah battery (dry or wet), a DC to AC inverter, an MCB or switch, a control panel, sockets and two-colour power cable 6 meters long. By implementing TERAPAN, fishermen no longer have to disassemble batteries to charge at a cost of IDR 25,000.00 per battery or is equivalent to an operational cost savings of 26.04%. Further study is recommended to conduct research in terms of installing the solar panel on the ships.