Situated in the equatorial zone, Indonesia is provided with various renewable energy sources. One of these sources that is available for an unlimited time is the solar energy. Solar radiation can be converted in to heat or electrical energy. Being involved in eco-tourism and a part of Bohorok Environment Education Center (PPLH Bohorok), the Ecolodge seriously supports environmental friendly efforts such as the application of solar energy.

Currently, the Ecolodge has installed a solar panel with a capacity of 8.000 watts to replace the use of the diesel generator during peak hours (between 05.00 pm to 10.00 pm) and in the next future also to replace the use of the public power grid during the night. Generating electricity using solar energy instead of fossil fuel has a positive impact on the carbon footprint.

The idea to use solar energy at the Ecolodge was initially discussed with Markus Illien (volunteer of PanEco) in 2009. During his visit to PPLH Bohorok, we made an assessment of electrical load consumption for all facilities including for the environmental education facilities in order to define the approximate capacity of the required solar power supply. Mr. Illien continued to develop the proposal and to look for sponsors in Switzerland.

The main Swiss sponsors are PanEco Foundation and and the utilities of the City of Berne (EWB). In May 2011 YEL finally signed the purchase contract with the Swiss solar system supplier Muntwyler Solar Center. By the end of December 2011, all of the equipments have been completely installed. Sofar, the solar energy supply  is running well.