BANDUNG, fmipa.itb.ac.id, -On Wednesday, November 20, 2025, a Solar Panel Powered Electric Motorcycle Charging Station (SPML-PS) was inaugurated in the Sarana Olahraga Ganesa (Saraga) area. This program is a form of community service resulting from collaboration Photonic and Magnetic Physics Research Division, Instrumentation Physics Research Division,and Computational Research Division, Padang State Polytechnic and Saraga ITBThe soft launching of this program was attended by many parties involved such as the ITB Directorate of Student Affairs, physics lecturers, physics study program students, and even several online motorcycle taxi drivers were present to support the first launch of this electric motorcycle charging station. There are several things that are the background to making this charging station (SPML-PS), including, a form of greater realization of solar cell research from KK FMF which usually only makes prototypes on a lab scale, then to realize the use of cleaner energy through green energy, then to be concrete evidence of the energy specialization that is part of the 2024 curriculum in the ITB Physics Study Program, and finally to correct the misunderstanding that the transition from fossil energy to green energy requires large investments. Therefore, through this community service, local resources can be utilized without large investments.

This charging station operates by harnessing solar energy through nine solar panels installed on the parking lot roof. The collected energy is converted into electricity and stored in the station's internal 2.4 kWh battery. This battery power is then transferred to charge users' electric vehicles. This concept is based on utilizing solar energy to ensure sustainable mobility and marks a step towards greener transportation.

In addition, this station is equipped with the Internet of Things (IoT) to make it easier for drivers to monitor power availability and charging status in real time via mobile devices before coming to Saraga ITB.

As a form of community service, this initiative is free for users at the soft launch location. This offers an attractive alternative to charging at gas stations, which typically charge around Rp 6,000 per full charge. In addition to Saraga, electric motorcycle charging locations are also available in the Tarasan area and near Pajajaran.

Saraga has shown full support and openness to this innovative student-led program. Saraga's willingness to serve as the launch site and location for the charging stations demonstrates their commitment to supporting research, community service, and the transition to clean energy on campus. This openness is expected to serve as an example for other units in facilitating innovations that directly benefit the public.

This facility has also had a real impact, especially for online motorcycle taxi (Ojol) drivers who use electric motorbikes. One driver, Mr. Dion, stated that this charging station It's very helpful in his daily operations. Given the growing trend of electric vehicles, he hopes this type of facility can be expanded and expanded in the future.

This soft launch is expected to spark enthusiasm among the community and institutions. The ultimate hope is that this project will motivate other campuses and communities to open similar facilities. This is aimed at achieving none other than makes things easier for many people who are switching to using electric vehicles, while also supporting the development of a sustainable transportation ecosystem in Indonesia.