Client Overview
Shri Durgha Fuels is an HPCL-authorised retail fuel outlet located in Sagara, Shimoga district, Karnataka. Operating round the clock, the station powers fuel dispensing pumps, canopy lighting, office equipment, and ancillary loads — all drawing significantly from the BESCOM grid.
Contact: Mr. Raghavendra M — (+91) 98454 15175
Project Background
Rising electricity tariffs in the Shimoga zone were adding significant pressure to the station’s monthly operating costs. With large daytime loads that aligned perfectly with solar generation hours, Shri Durgha Fuels was an ideal candidate for a rooftop solar installation.
This project is Techedge’s first solar EPC installation — the project that validated our execution model and set the quality benchmark for every project that followed.
Solution Delivered
A 15 kWp grid-connected rooftop solar PV system was designed and installed to maximise generation from the available rooftop area.
System Highlights:
- System Size: 15 kWp
- System Type: On-Grid (Grid-Connected)
- Installation Date: 25 July 2019
- Application: Fuel station pumps, canopy lighting, and office loads
- Monitoring: Real-time generation monitoring via mobile app
The system was designed for maximum yield in Shimoga’s high-irradiation climate, with panel orientation and tilt optimised for year-round performance.
Project Investment
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total System Cost (incl. GST) | ₹9,00,000 |
| HPCL Subsidy | ₹2,00,000 |
| Net Investment | ₹7,00,000 |
ROI & Savings
Generation & Monthly Savings
- Daily generation: ~67.5 units @ ₹7.50/unit (BESCOM, Shimoga)
- Monthly savings: ~₹15,000 – ₹16,000
- Annual savings: ~₹1,84,500
Savings Till Date
- System operational: ~6.75 years (July 2019 – April 2026)
- Total savings achieved: ~₹12.3 Lakhs ✅
- Net profit over investment: ~₹5+ Lakhs (fully paid back since 2023)
Lifetime Projection
- Payback period: ~3.8 Years ✅
- 10-year savings: ₹22+ Lakhs
- 25-year savings: ₹65–70 Lakhs (with 5% annual tariff escalation)
Business Impact
- ✅ Monthly electricity expenses reduced by ~70% — fuel station operational costs significantly lowered
- ✅ Stable and predictable energy cost — insulated from BESCOM tariff hikes
- ✅ High ROI — full investment recovered in under 4 years; profit since 2023
- ✅ HPCL sustainability alignment — contributes to HPCL’s green retail outlet initiative
- ✅ Enhanced brand image — visible solar installation signals environmental responsibility to customers
Performance Highlights
- Consistent generation since July 2019 — over 6 years of reliable operation
- Minimal maintenance — one scheduled cleaning per quarter; no major repairs
- High system uptime — aligned with projected output across all seasons
- Shimoga climate advantage — high solar irradiation (~5.5 peak sun hours/day) ensures strong year-round yield
- Grid stability — net metering ensures zero export waste; excess units credited by BESCOM
Techedge Perspective
This project is more than a case study — it is the project that started Techedge. Completing a commercial fuel station installation as our very first project gave us the confidence, process, and credibility to grow. Mr. Raghavendra’s trust in us set the foundation for everything we have built since.
Conclusion
From a ₹7 lakh net investment to over ₹12.3 lakhs in savings already achieved — Shri Durgha Fuels is a testament to solar as a high-return business decision.
“From a ₹7 lakh investment to over ₹12 lakh savings achieved — and counting.”
If a fuel station in Sagara can generate this kind of return, imagine what solar can do for your business.
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