Solar panel energy for light fishing on a mini purse seiner

Abstract

High demands for diesel fuel energy in light fishing on mini purse seiners at Tasikagung Rembang Coastal Fishing Port (PPP) led to an increase in the cost of fishing operations. Diesel fuel price continues to increase every year hence cheaper alternative energy is required to substitute existing fuel. The purposes of this research are to calculate the amount of energy needed for light fishing and to determine the need for solar panels for light fishing of mini purse seiners at PPP Tasikagung Rembang. Data were collected through fieldwork and observations in two samples of fishing vessels (vessels A and B of 29 GT), then being analyzed descriptively and comparatively. Results showed that the energy required by vessel A was lower than vessel B due to the difference in light composition. While vessel A required 292.800 Wh or 200 liters of fuel per night, vessel B consumed at least 394.600 Wh or the equivalent of 280 liters of fuel per night. Accordingly, the capacity of solar panels required by vessel A was 58.560 Wp and for B vessel was 394.600 Wp. However, only 2.05% and 1.27% of module capacity can be applied respectively.