Adoption and Impact of AIoT-Integrated Smart Solar Streetlighting in Rural Electrification: The Case of Bacuag, Surigao del Norte, Philippines
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Streetlighting is indispensable to safety and mobility, but rural areas like Bacuag, Surigao del Norte are frequently handicapped due to geographical isolation and high infrastructure cost. This study evaluates AIoT-integrated solar streetlighting as an affordable, sustainable solution. A prototype system, with twenty sets of 150W solar panel, 60W LED lamp, 36Ah lithium battery, and AIoT-integrated GSM and LoRa-enabled controller was deployed on several barangays. Data on solar irradiance, state-of-charge (SOC) of the battery, hours of operation, and faults were recorded for periods longer than 90 days. Usability and impacts were assessed with surveys to 120 community members and barangay captains. The system operated on average 11.8 hours per day for an SOC above 60% on 94% of days. AI-based time-series fault detection had an accuracy of 96.2%, and brightness adaptation reduced energy use by 22.5%. Community satisfaction with the system was high at 87%, with improvement of nighttime safety and mobility ascribed as key benefits. However, gaps in connectivity were noticed during intense weather. Notwithstanding, the AIoT-based system illustrated both technical viability and social acceptability within GIDA environments. Further-scale deployment is invited, as are related connectivity supporting and community training. Thanks to CSU-CRAFT for their research facilitation.
Institution: Caraga State University
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204092326