WCC ATC Binalonan introduced the barangay officials and community representatives of Barangay Tabuyoc to practical uses of solar energy through two community extension initiatives led by the College of Engineering in coordination with the Community Extension Services Office on July 24, 2026.
Through AERO-PLANO: Disaster-Prepared Solar Kit Awareness Program, 12 participants learned about the use of solar-powered devices as an alternative source of electricity during power interruptions and emergencies. The activity discussed how basic solar technology can help residents maintain access to essential charging and communication capabilities when regular electricity is unavailable.
SUNBOX complemented the awareness program through the installation of a solar-powered charging station at the Barangay Tabuyoc Center. Equipped with a 360-watt-hour battery and a solar charging input of approximately 120 to 135 watts, SUNBOX can generate an estimated 480 to 600 watt-hours of electricity per day under four to five hours of peak sunlight.
The charging station can support devices such as smartphones, laptops, LED light bulbs, Wi-Fi routers or modems, stand fans, and 32-inch LED televisions. Depending on the device and its power requirements, a fully charged battery can provide approximately 20 to 25 full smartphone charges, power a laptop for 5.5 to eight hours, or operate a Wi-Fi router for 30 to 36 hours.
The project team also demonstrated the station’s maintenance procedures during the program. Community members knowledgeable about electrical wiring, including residents with an educational background in electrical engineering, were oriented on its maintenance requirements. Barangay officials determined the station’s ownership arrangement during the activity.
Together, the projects connected the College of Engineering’s technical knowledge with an identified community need. AERO-PLANO focused on awareness and practical understanding, while SUNBOX provided a community-based application of renewable energy technology.
The initiatives supported SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy by promoting access to solar-powered alternatives and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure through the community application of appropriate technology.
