Excelsior Correspondent
Leh, June 16: IndianOil’s retail outlet, Lotus Xangpo Memorial filling station in Leh became the world’s highest altitude retail outlet to be powered by solar power system.
By installing solar power generation systems, the retail outlet has taken the first step towards replacing polluting DG sets and the resultant green house gas emission. The solar power generation system enables the retail outlet to save approximately Rs. 30,000 per month, and the investment therein is recoverable in about 18 months from the day of installation.
IndianOil already have two other solar powered retail outlets operating at Chuglamsar and Leh-Manali Road in Ladakh region. These outlets face extreme weather conditions like -25°C during winters and thin oxygen density, yet the solar power generation systems have been functioning smoothly as the region gets bright sun light due to dry weather conditions for most part of the year.
The solar energy has found wide acceptance among IndianOil retail outlets across the country. The period between April-March 2015 witnessed 1398 new outlets joining the solarised retail outlet club, taking the total tally under to 2663. IndianOil plans to add another 1500 Retail outlets and Kisan Seva Kendras in the current financial year and envisions touching 5000 solar-powered outlets and 10,000 by 2022.
By installing solar power, the dealers of the outlets are assured of power supply at a constant voltage. Even fuel dispensing units, fan, tube lights and other essential electrical fittings can be operated at optimal capacity, which in turn ensures that a dealer is able to provide consistent and quality service to their customers. As on date, total installed solar panel capacity at IOC retail outlet is around 5.5 Mega Watts leading to a saving of 6750 KL of diesel per year amounting to around Rs. 40 crore per annum.
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