METHODOLOGY

Research Design

This study uses a method of quantitative analysis to assess the perceived significance

of solar-powered street lighting in enhancing residential safety and security and its impact on

increasing visibility, preventing crime, and reducing accidents. In addition, this study would

also identify community concerns and considerations influencing the adoption of solar-

powered street lights in residential areas. A structured survey questionnaire was developed to

gather the needed data. The questionnaire was disseminated through Google Forms by the

researchers to the respondents to gather feedback and information that may help in the

interpretation of findings.

Research Respondents

The target population of this study includes the residents of Tanauan, Leyte. Simple

random sampling will be used to gather data from the 50 selected respondents, ensuring

sufficient representation from various residential areas.

Research Instrument

The development of a research instrument is one of the most important

aspects of this study. A structured survey questionnaire was used in the study to be the

primary tool in measuring the perceived impact of solar-powered streetlights on residential

safety and security and identifying concerns and considerations influencing the adoption of

solar-powered street lights. The survey tool consisted of the following parts: Part I includes

the profile characteristics of respondents according to their residential status; Part II asks the

respondents about the perceived impact of solar-powered street lights on residential security.

Respondents were asked to score various questions on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from

strongly disagree (5), disagree (4), neutral (3), agree (2), and strongly agree (1). Part III asks
the respondents about various concerns and considerations influencing the adoption of solar-

powered street lights. Similar to part II, respondents were asked to score various questions on

a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from strongly disagree (5), disagree (4), neutral (3), agree (2),

and strongly agree (1). To gather data from residents and their responses, a survey through

Google Forms was conducted, and Microsoft Excel will be utilized as a tally sheet to collect

data. This method allows efficient organization and analysis of the responses. The gathered

data will be evaluated to assess the significance of solar-powered streetlights on residential

safety and security.

Method and Procedure

The researchers made sure that all procedures were followed before, during, and after

the data collection process. After outlining the purpose and importance of the study, the

research questionnaires were given to participants either in person or online. Participants

won't be given any time restrictions. Assuring the selected respondents that the information

gathered will remain anonymous and be used exclusively for the study encourages their

voluntary engagement. Digital recordings of the surveys were made and saved for following

review.
Treatment of Data

Frequency distribution will be used to measure the number of responses and its
magnitude with the sample. In addition, descriptive statistics will be used to summarize the
data and identify patterns.

P=f / N (100)

Where:

P = percentage

f = frequency

N = number of participants

The sample mean is expressed through the following formula:

n
1
x= ∑ xi
n i=1

Where:

𝑥̅ = 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛

𝑛 = 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒

𝑥𝑖 = 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒

The sample standard deviation is expressed through the following formula:

√
n

∑ ( xi−x)2
i=1
s=
n−1

Where:

𝑥̅= 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛

𝑛 = 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒
𝑥𝑖 = 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒

𝑠 = 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑑𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜n

Procedure of Analysis

Table 1: Equivalent Mean Range for Verbal Description for Assessing the Significance

of Solar-powered Street Lights for Residential Safety and Security

Scale Verbal Equivalent

Description Mean Range

1 Strongly Agree 1.00 – 1.80

2 Agree 1.81 – 2.60

3 Neutral 2.61 – 3.40

4 Disagree 3.41 – 4.20

5 Strongly Disagree 4.21– 5.00

As shown in Table 1, it serves as a standard reference for interpreting the computed

mean scores collected from survey responses in Section 2, which assesses the impact of solar-
powered street lights on residential safety and security, and Section 3 which evaluates the
concerns and considerations influencing the adoption of solar street light. Moreover, Table 1
is used to translate numerical means into verbal descriptions that reflect the perceptions and
concerns of respondents. Meanwhile, this verbal interpretation scale serves as tool in
analyzing and presenting quantitative survey data, particularly in evaluating responses toward
the impact and adoption of solar-powered streetlights in residential areas.
Ethical Considerations

The research participant will be gathered using the researcher's sampling technique.
Only those questions that can lead to the compilation of data that are relevant and valuable in
the study must be included in the questionnaire. The researcher must not ask any confidential
questions that may cause people to refuse to participate. The researcher will provide a consent
permit for participants to understand the objective of their involvement in the study and for
respondents to know what relevant questions must be asked researcher. The researchers will
assure to their participants that their private information will be kept private. All media in
gathering the data must be used only for the purpose of the study. The researchers will also
observe the empirical trait of a researcher that only the things observed must be the only data
provided in the research paper.
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table 2 : Distribution of Respondents According to Their Residential Status

Residential Frequency Percentage

Status

Homeowner 21 42.00%

Renting 15 30.00%

Living with 10 20.00%

Relatives

Temporary 4 8.00%
Housing

Total 50 100%

As shown in the table, it illustrates that majority of the respondents from Tanauan,

Leyte, are homeowners (42.00%); this basically refers to respondents who own a property,

whether it is a house or some other form of residence. Renting (30.00%) are individuals who

pay a periodic fee (rent) to live in a property owned by someone else. Whereas living with

relatives (20.00%) involves staying in a residence that is owned or leased by family members.

Lastly, temporary housing (8.00%) refers to accommodations intended for short-term use,

such as hotels, shelters, or other provisional living arrangements.

As a result, it can be stated that Tanauan, Leyte, is primarily composed of

homeowners, who represent the largest portion of the residential population. Simple random

sampling was utilized to gather data from the 50 selected respondents in Tanauan, Leyte.
 Table 3: Distribution of Respondents According to Their Awareness of Solar-Powered
Street Lights in Their Area

Are you Frequence Percentage

aware of
solar-
powered
street lights
in your
area?
Yes 43 86.00%
No 7 14.00%
Total 50 100%

As shown in the table, it shows the respondents level of awareness regarding the
installation of solar-powered streetlights in their local area. Among the 50 people surveyed,
43 (86.00%) responded "Yes," indicating that they are aware of these installations in their
local area, whereas 7 (14.00%) responded "No," suggesting the absence of solar-powered
streetlights for some residents. The significant number of affirmative responses suggests that
solar-powered streetlights are particularly visible and recognized in Tanauan, Leyte's
residential areas. Hence, this general awareness could contribute to an enhanced level of
residential security, as visible surroundings are generally associated with improved safety and
peace of mind among its residents.
 Table 4: Distribution of Respondents According to Their Knowledge of Solar-Powered
Street Lights Installed in Their Residential Area

Do you Frequenc Percentage

currently have e
solar-powered
street lights
installed near
your
residence?
Yes 38 76.00%
No 12 24.00%
Total 50 100%

The table shows the respondents knowledge according to the solar-powered street
lights installed near their residences in Tanauan, Leyte. Out of the 50 respondents surveyed, a
significant majority (76.00%) confirmed the presence of solar-powered street lights in their
area, while the remaining 24% indicated the absence and uneven implementations from the
municipality. It indicates that the majority of residential areas have already adopted these
sustainable street light systems for their security practices and potential deficiencies in public
visibility in locations lacking solar-powered street lights.

Table 5: Mean and Standard Deviation of Each Item in the Perceived Impact of Solar-
Powered Street Lights on Residential Safety and Security

Item Perceived Impact of Solar-Powered Verbal

no. Street Lights on Residential Security x s Description

1.

The installation of solar-powered street

lights has improved visibility in my
neighborhood at night. 1.56 0.76 Strongly Agree
 2.
I feel safer walking outside my home
during the night due to solar-powered
street lights. 2.02 0.80 Agree

3. Solar-powered street lights have reduced

suspicious or criminal activity in the area.

1.98 0.80 Agree

4. The lighting coverage of solar-powered
street lights is adequate for residential
areas.
1.78 0.55 Strongly Agree
5. Solar-powered street light has contributed
to community peace and order.
1.82 0.66 Agree
6. Solar-powered street lights help reduce
accidents during night time.
1.94 0.65 Agree
7. Solar-powered street light enhances the
effectiveness of other security measures
like CCTV.
2.30 0.81 Agree
8. Solar-powered street lights are a long-term
solution for safer streets.
2.10 0.79 Agree
9. Solar-powered street lights foster a
stronger sense of community security and
contribute to development.

1.64 0.72 Strongly Agree

Perceived Impact of Solar-Powered Street
Lights on Residential Security 1.90 0.73 Agree

This table emphasizes the perceived impact of solar-powered street lights on

residential security. It was revealed that residents responded “Strongly Agree” in “The
installation of solar-powered street lights has improved visibility in my neighborhood at
night.” (1.56), “The lighting coverage of solar-powered street lights is adequate for residential
areas.” (1.78), and “Solar-powered street lights foster a stronger sense of community security
and contribute to development.” (1.64). Residents responded “Agree” in “I feel safer walking
outside my home during the night due to solar-powered street lights.” (2.02), “Solar-powered
street lights have reduced suspicious or criminal activity in the area.” (1.98), “Solar-powered
street lights have contributed to community peace and order.” (1.82), “Solar-powered street
lights help reduce accidents during night time.” (1.94), “Solar-powered street light enhances
the effectiveness of other security measures like CCTV.” (2.30), and “Solar-powered street
lights are a long-term solution for safer streets.” (2.10).

The overall standard deviation of 0.73 demonstrates a moderate level of agreement by

the respondents regarding the perceived impact of solar-powered street lights on residential
security. This means there is moderate recognition of the benefits that solar-powered street
lights contribute to improving safety, visibility, and peace and order in neighborhoods. A low
standard deviation indicates stability and reliability in responses to the survey. The result
generally reveals that there is agreement among the respondents, indicating few outliers or
significant differences in opinion. There is less difference in their perceptions, suggesting a
community-wide general agreement on the positive role of solar-powered street lights in
enhancing residential security.

Table 6: Mean and Standard Deviation of Each Item in the Concerns and
Considerations Influencing the Adoption of Solar-Powered Street Lights

Item Concerns and Considerations Verbal

no. Influencing the Adoption of Solar- x s Description
Powered Street Lights

1. There is a lack of public awareness

about the benefits of solar-powered
street light systems.

1.58 1.03 Strongly Agree

2. I am concerned about potential legal

implications or liabilities associated
with installing solar-powered street
lights in residential areas. 2.22 0.97 Agree

3. The quality and brightness of solar

lights are important factors influencing
my support for them.
2.03 0.83 Agree
4. The quality and brightness of solar
lights are important factors influencing
my support for them.
1.94 0.68 Agree
 5. Budget constraints affect the expansion
of solar-powered street lights in
residential areas. 1.62 0.83 Strongly Agree

6. The number of installed solar-powered

street lights is insufficient for full
coverage of the residential areas. 2.22 0.86 Agree

7. Solar-powered street lights are better

than traditional street lights in our
residence area.
2.50 0.79 Agree
8. The performance of solar-powered
street lights is reduced during
unfavorable weather. 2.02 1.08 Agree

Concerns and Considerations Influencing the

Adoption of Solar-Powered Street Lights 2.02 0.88 Agree

The table shows the concerns and considerations influencing the adoption of solar-
powered street lights in residential areas. It was depicted that the residents “Strongly Agree”
in “There is a lack of public awareness about the benefits of solar-powered street light
systems” (1.58) and “Budget constraints affect the expansion of solar-powered street lights in
residential areas” (1.62). They “Agree” in “I am concerned about potential legal implications
or liabilities associated with installing solar-powered street lights in residential areas.” (2.22),
“The quality and brightness of solar lights are important factors influencing my support for
them.” (2.03), “Technical problems or lack of regular maintenance of solar lights reduces
their effectiveness.” (1.94), “The number of installed solar-powered street lights is
insufficient for full coverage of the residential areas.” (2.22), “Solar-powered street lights are
better than traditional street lights in our residence area.” (2.50), and “The performance of
solar-powered street lights is reduced during unfavorable weather.” (2.02).

In addition, the general standard deviation of 0.88 indicates a moderate level of

consensus among the respondents on the concerns and considerations influencing the
adoption of solar-powered street lights. The respondents showed stronger agreement on
practical barriers such as lack of public awareness and budget constraints, as indicated by
lower mean values. However, variation in responses is evident in aspects such as comparative
effectiveness with traditional lights and legal concerns, suggesting complex perspectives on
implementation challenges and adoption.

Overall, Table 5 presents meaningful insights regarding the perceived impact of solar-
powered streetlights on residential safety and security. It was also revealed that the statistical
results in table 5 show the average (1.90) of several sample means provided, demonstrating a
verbal interpretation from table 1, which suggests that the majority of residents "Agree"
regarding the positive impacts of solar-powered streetlights for residential safety and security.
As a result, this indicates that the presence of solar-powered streetlights has enhanced safety
and fostered stronger security among residents of Tanauan, Leyte. Furthermore, Table 6 also
presents a total sample mean of 2.02 regarding the concerns and considerations influencing
the adoption of solar-powered street lights, which indicates a range that corresponds to
"Agree," suggesting that the majority of the participants acknowledge the presence of
challenges or concerns influencing the broader adoption of solar-powered street lights in the
residential areas of Tanauan, Leyte.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the study's findings, there are numerous approaches to improve how solar-

powered street lighting improves residential security in Tanauan, Leyte. One of the first

stages is to educate the community on the benefits of these lights, particularly in terms of

keeping neighborhoods safe at night. Organizing barangay workshops or distributing basic

information materials will help locals understand how lighting can reduce crime and make

them feel safer. It is also critical to locate the lights in areas where they are most needed, such

as dimly lit alleys, quiet corners, or paths that inhabitants frequently avoid at night. Proper

placement can directly affect how secure individuals feel in their surroundings.

In addition, another factor to consider is the appearance of the lights. Choosing clean

and basic designs that go nicely with the residential setting can make inhabitants feel more at

ease having them close. To ensure that the lights continue to perform effectively, they should
be checked and maintained regularly. Barangay officials or trained community volunteers

might be tasked with maintaining the lights, cleaning the panels, and reporting any technical

concerns. In addition, combining solar street lighting with other safety measures, such as

installing CCTV cameras or organizing neighborhoods patrols, can improve overall security

in the region. It is also helpful to track the effectiveness of the lighting system by collecting

feedback from residents and monitoring any changes in crime rates. These steps can guide

future decisions and improvements. By doing all of these, Tanauan can build a safer, more

sustainable, and more secure environment for its residents.

CONCLUSION

The sole purpose of the study is to assess the perceived significance of solar-powered

street lighting in enhancing residential security and to identify concerns and considerations

influencing its adoption in residential areas.

The results of the survey conducted in Tanauan, Leyte, reveal high proportion of

home ownership, strong awareness of solar-powered street lights, and significant

implementation of these lighting systems near residential areas. In general, residents are

highly appreciative of solar-powered street lights, recognizing their contributions to improved

nighttime visibility, reduced accidents and crime, and enhanced community peace and order.

The adoption of solar-powered street lights is influenced, however, by concerns regarding

budget limitations, lack of public awareness, maintenance issues, and weather-related

performance. These insights emphasize the need to address these concerns if broader

acceptance and more effective use of solar-powered lighting systems in residential

communities are to be promoted.