UNS—A community service team from the Nano Converter Research Group in the Mechanical Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, has developed an innovative sustainable technology to improve access to clean water in remote areas. The team implemented a solar-powered Reverse Osmosis (RO) water purification system at Tijarotul Qur’aniah Islamic Boarding School in Bulu Subdistrict, Sukoharjo Regency, from March to October 2024.

According to ft.uns.ac.id on Wednesday (10/30/2024), this RO system, with a capacity of 1.000 gallons per day (GPD) and powered by photovoltaic (PV) panels, harnesses solar energy to store power in batteries that drive the pump and RO machine. This setup produces high-quality drinking water, reducing dependency on external electricity and water sources.

Professor Zainal Arifin, Ph.D., Head of the Nano Converter Research Group, noted that this technology is ideal for areas with limited electricity access. “We aim to create an environmentally friendly and practical solution, particularly for Islamic boarding schools and rural villages. By utilizing solar energy, the system is efficient and produces high-quality drinking water, verified in laboratory testing,” he explained.

The UNS service team consists of experts in mechanical engineering and energy, including Prof. Dominicus Danardono, Prof. Dr. techn. Ir. Suyitno, Dr. Wibawa Endra Juwana, Dr. Rendy Adhi Rachmanto, and Dr. Indri Yaningsih. Their expertise and dedication have made Tijarotul Qur’aniah Islamic Boarding School self-sufficient in meeting drinking water needs while promoting environmental preservation through renewable energy use.

Laboratory tests confirm that the water produced by this RO system meets all physical and chemical standards for drinking water safety. This innovation not only demonstrates energy efficiency but also makes a significant contribution to environmental conservation and the advancement of eco-friendly technology in Indonesia. HUMAS UNS