UNDIP, Semarang Regency (19/8) – Students participating in the Thematic Community Service Program (KKN-T) IDBU 66 at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) have launched an innovation in the form of a Solar-Powered Water Pump (Pompa Air Tenaga Surya / PATS). The initiative was marked by the inauguration of equipment at the Banyubiru Village Hall in Banyubiru District, Semarang Regency, to support solar-powered irrigation of agricultural land.
Banyubiru Village has significant potential in the agricultural sector, particularly rice production. However, some agricultural areas still face limited irrigation water supplies, especially during the dry season. This condition poses a challenge for farmers, as fuel-powered or electric pumps require relatively high operating costs. Through this program, KKN-T IDBU 66 students introduced a solar-powered water pump to support irrigation by utilizing renewable energy. The program contributes to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in sustainable agriculture, clean energy use, innovation, and climate action.
The Solar-Powered Water Pump (PATS) development program was carried out collaboratively by Community Service (KKN) students, with tasks divided according to each group’s area of expertise. The first group was responsible for preparing the wiring design and component specifications for the PATS system. The second group prepared the Budget Plan (RAB) as the basis for procuring materials and implementing the program, while the third group designed and assembled the panel box, which serves as the control center for the pump’s electrical system.
After the planning stage was complete, all components were assembled and installed on site until the system was ready for operation. The entire process was carried out according to the established schedule and completed on time. The PATS program was completed on July 21, 2026, before being officially inaugurated on July 23, 2026, at the Banyubiru Village Hall as one of the multidisciplinary outputs of the KKN-T IDBU 66 program in Banyubiru Village.
During implementation, the project proceeded smoothly without any significant obstacles. Good coordination among the students, support from Banyubiru Village officials, and cooperation with relevant parties contributed to the successful completion of the program according to the planned targets and deadlines.
The completed Solar-Powered Water Pump (PATS) was marked by a successful system trial, demonstrating that all components—from the solar panels and panel box to the pump—functioned properly. Based on the trial results, the PATS system was declared ready for use by the Banyubiru community, particularly farmer groups in Randusari Village.
Optimal utilization of the PATS system will largely depend on community needs, as the pump is generally expected to be used more intensively when irrigation water demand on agricultural land increases and conventional water sources become limited, particularly during the dry season.
Head of Randusari Village, Furi Adinda, expressed appreciation for the UNDIP Thematic KKN Team’s presence, which introduced PATS technology as a solution to the irrigation challenges faced by farmers in Block 7 of Randusari Village, particularly during the dry season. She also noted that PATS promotes energy and economic independence among farmers by reducing operating costs. In addition, the technology is environmentally friendly because it does not emit exhaust, helping preserve the agricultural ecosystem in Randusari Village.
“On behalf of the residents, particularly the farmers in Block 7 of Randusari Village, we would like to thank the UNDIP Thematic KKN Team for introducing PATS technology, which addresses the irrigation challenges we have faced, especially during the dry season. This innovation also helps reduce operating costs and is environmentally friendly because it does not produce exhaust emissions,” said Furi Adinda.
Meanwhile, Banyubiru Village Head Sri Anggoro Siswaji said that the PATS program represents a tangible form of collaboration among higher education institutions, the village government, and the community to provide a renewable-energy-based solution for water needs.
“The PATS program is a tangible form of collaboration between higher education institutions, the village government, and the community in providing a renewable energy-based solution to water needs. This program is expected to sustainably improve water availability, support community productivity, and serve as an example of environmentally friendly technology utilization for village development,” said Sri Anggoro Siswaji.
The program represents a collaborative effort among KKN students, Banyubiru Village officials, and the community to provide technology-based solutions to support the agricultural sector. It is also expected to deliver tangible benefits to the community, particularly farmers in Banyubiru Village, by utilizing solar energy to power the water pump, helping maintain a sustainable irrigation water supply while reducing dependence on conventional electricity. This can lower operating costs while making energy use more environmentally friendly.
The PATS program also offers new hope for increasing agricultural productivity, particularly during the dry season when water demand rises. To ensure its long-term impact, village officials and farmer groups are expected to use and regularly maintain the facility so that this innovation can provide sustainable benefits for food security and farmers’ welfare in Banyubiru Village. (Public Communication/UNDIP)
