The Electrical Engineering Study Program at the University of Medan Area (UMA) initiated the development of an agrivoltaic system as an innovative step in the development of renewable energy and environmentally friendly technologies. This program is designed to integrate solar panels with the agricultural sector in a mutually supportive ecosystem, providing the dual benefits of providing clean energy and improving food security through innovation in renewable energy.

Agrivoltaics, which combines the use of solar panels on agricultural land, is expected to increase land use efficiency, improve agricultural productivity, and provide an environmentally friendly source of electricity for the campus and surrounding community. This initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions while strengthening energy security.

As a pilot project for the application of sustainable technology in a university environment, this agrivoltaic program will utilize UMA’s experimental farm. Solar panels will be installed on agricultural land, creating a system that not only generates electricity from solar energy but also protects crops from extreme temperatures and unpredictable weather conditions.

Furthermore, the project also serves as a research center for UMA Electrical Engineering students, allowing them to conduct hands-on experiments with renewable energy technologies. The project team leader, Muhammad Fadlan Siregar, ST, MT, IPM, stated that this initiative is a strategic step in integrating electrical engineering with productive agriculture. Utilizing a 30×30 meter plot of land, the project is designed to test and develop more efficient agrivoltaic systems.

In its implementation, this agrivoltaic project will involve collaboration between Electrical Engineering lecturers, students, and industrial partners engaged in renewable energy. The Head of the UMA Electrical Engineering Study Program, Ir. Habib Satria, MT, IPM, ASEAN Eng, who was accompanied by the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Dr. Eng. Supriatno, ST, MT, emphasized that UMA is committed to contributing to the development of renewable energy technology in North Sumatra. “This agrivoltaic program is a strategic step in connecting the discipline of electrical engineering with the agricultural sector, which has great potential in North Sumatra,” he said.