The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) on January 21, 2025, issued the draft Guidelines on the Installation of Solar panels over the roof of the salesroom or the Canopy of the LNG/CNG/CBG Retail Outlets/Petroleum service stations/ALDS.
The installation of solar panels over the canopy and sales room of LNG/CNG/CBG retail outlets and petroleum service stations outside hazardous areas is permitted with specific conditions:
• The canopy shall not hinder ventilation, equipment access, or vehicle clearance and shall comply with IS: 875, IS: 1893, and IS: 3043 for structural safety and earthing.
• Solar panels shall not be installed in hazardous areas or near petroleum tank vent pipes, which must be at least 4 meters away.
• The structure shall be designed by a certified structural engineer, with a stability certificate required for licensing.
• Adequate earthing and protected electrical wiring shall be ensured.
• Safety mechanisms like fault detection, surge protection, and interlocks shall be installed.
• The objections and suggestions on the draft guidelines shall be sent by January 31, 2025, on email to [email protected] and [email protected] with the subject, "Installation of Solar panels over the roof of the salesroom or over the Canopy of the LNG/CNG/CBG Retail Outlets/Petroleum service stations/ALDS".
[Notification no. - C.VIII(3) 125/Circular/Petroleum]
