Rooftop Solar Solutions for Petrol Pumps: How To Reach Your Energy Goals 2

Rooftop Solar Solutions || Why is rooftop solar important?

There are two main reasons for installing solar panels on top of petrol pumps: saving on electricity costs and reducing carbon emissions. It also gives the owner a sense of pride and accomplishment in undertaking a green initiative. Let’s look at the main cost benefits that come with installing solar energy on petrol pumps. Rooftop Solar Solutions

Saving on electricity costs: Pump owners typically face high electricity costs because of the high demand-supply gap in the country. That being said, the power costs can be reduced to a great extent if solar energy is harnessed. With solar panels installed on pump roofs, pump owners can save substantial electricity costs.

Rooftop Solar Solutions || What’s the problem with the typical petrol pump?

Petrol pumps work at night. So they use large amounts of electricity at night (generating 13,000-18,000 kWh/month on average for a typical station). The total cost of electricity for an average station is Rs 18,000-40,000. However, the total energy cost comes down to 3-6 per cent per month depending on a variety of factors including distribution losses.

Now consider this scenario: A rooftop solar plant (with a capacity of 10kW) that is 100 per cent efficient and has a 25 year warranty will provide all the electricity required for pumping operations. Also, the peak power consumed will be much less as the solar plant is more efficient than a conventional plant. Install cost for solar rooftop plant is Rs. 4.5-5 per kW.

Rooftop Solar Solutions || The benefits of rooftop solar

Rooftop solar is now gaining momentum for its numerous benefits. These include: Encourages reduction in carbon footprint: This type of solar energy system saves a lot of CO2. In case of the Government’s push for electric vehicles, this type of system would be the most appropriate choice of renewable energy. It also serves as a ready-made source of power for an electric car charging station.

Reduces grid frequency fluctuations: Rooftop solar panels work best in the daytime when the demand for electricity is high. If solar power is harnessed during off-peak hours, the grid frequency would be reduced. Also, the grid frequency typically comes down in winter to reduce power supply issues. Energy and cost savings: Photovoltaic panels can produce electricity anywhere, anytime.

Rooftop Solar Solutions || How to implement rooftop solar solutions

Setting up a solar rooftop plant requires a significant amount of upfront investment in the form of space to install the solar panels. However, as energy demand increases, solar can offer electricity to several stationary applications such as medical wards, public toilets, resorts, guest houses and eateries in tourist destinations and businesses.

Given its cost efficiency, in a grid linked environment it would be a viable solution for use in such applications. Rooftop solar plant infrastructure To build a solar plant, a complete set of infrastructure is needed. These include the electrical equipment, the necessary wiring, isolation switch and receptacle, inverter, battery and electrical wiring. Generally, a solar plant installation costs around INR 5 million.

Rooftop Solar Solutions || Conclusion

Petrol pumps are located in the rural areas as well as in remote regions, with a wide range of electricity supply options for consumers. In most parts of the country, the peak demand for electricity in summer is around 4GW. This number is, however, less than 1% of the country’s total power requirements.

Taking electricity out of the public grid to produce is not an option for most diesel generating stations, as most of them are in far-flung and rural areas. Therefore, there exists a huge gap for power production, which can be filled by a mix of large hydro power plants, solar power, wind power and biomass. Solar power plants are now cost-effective enough to be considered for use in diesel generating stations as well.