Small-scale solar technologies for sustainable energy solution of mosques in Perak: a community-based approach (CBA)

This paper presents a community-based approach to highlight energy-saving mechanism and community development initiatives through the installation of small-scale solar technology systems for two (2) mosques in Perak. The objective of these projects is to enhance community development for local communities while promoting green energy practices, that allows a sense of ownership and commitment towards sustainable practices. Two mosques’ community in Perak have been selected as the case studies which applies a mixed-method approach that engaged the locals during this community project. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) No 7 that focus on providing affordable and sustainable energy to the community. It engaged action-based research on-site, which involves a group of volunteers participated in the project, engaging stakeholders, like the mosques’ management, UiTM Perak branch and the local people under a university-social responsibility (USR) program. The positive implication of this project is on the community empowerment, where its serve tangible benefits, like increasing community development level, improved lighting condition and save the electricity bills during night-time. These are empowered due to the self-sufficient electricity gained from the small-scale solar solutions installed at the case studies. By harnessing the power of solar technologies systems (ranging from 10 watts to 300 watts), these mosques have managed to reduce its reliance on traditional energy sources, thus contributing to energy security and saving between 5% - 9% from the monthly electricity bills. It demonstrated the benefits of solar energy, increasing broader energy awareness within the mosque communities in Perak. In the near future, the diffusion of solar energy technologies is anticipated to contribute towards more sustainable mosques in Malaysia and increase the community development through sustainable approaches.