Technical and Economic Analysis of a 1 MWp Solar Power Plant in the Lake Toba Region: Potential and Impact on Green Tourism

Saut M Situmorang; Bonar S,M Naibaho

doi:10.37817/ikraith-teknologi.v10i1.5356

Saut M Situmorang Teknik Elektro, Institut Sains dan Teknologi T.D. Pardede, Medan
Bonar S,M Naibaho Teknik Pertambangan, Institut Sains dan Teknologi T.D. Pardede, Medan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37817/ikraith-teknologi.v10i1.5356

Keywords: Lake Toba, Solar PV, renewable energy, economic feasibility, susttdnable tourism

Abstract

This Lake Toba, one of Indonesia’s most prominent tourist destinations, holds significant
potential to be developed into a sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism area through the
integration of renewable energy. Among the available options, solar energy utilization via Solar
Photovoltaic (PV) systems offers a strategic pathway to achieve energy sustainability and reduce
reliance on fossil fuels. This study aims to evaluate the solar radiation potential, land requirements,
technical design of Solar PV systems, and economic feasibility to support sustainable ecotourism
development in the Lake Toba region. A quantitative research approach was applied, combining
solar radiation assessment based on Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) data from BMKG and the
Global Solar Atlas with financial feasibility analysis using Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE),
Net Present Value (NPV), and Payback Period metrics. The results indicate that the Lake Toba
region receives an average solar radiation of 4.8–5.1 kWh/m²/day, allowing a 1 MWp Solar PV
system to generate approximately 1.37 GWh of electricity annually. Economically, the system
yields an estimated LCOE of USD 0.056/kWh, significantly lower than diesel-based generation
costs of USD 0.15–0.20/kWh. Environmentally, such a system could reduce carbon emissions by
around 1,163 tons of CO₂ per year, directly supporting Indonesia’s national decarbonization argets. Overall, Solar PV deployment in the Lake Toba region is technically viable, economically competitive, and environmentally impactful, while also strengthening Lake Toba's image as a green tourism destination.