Is Indian Oil Leading the Way in Solar Power Utilization?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Indian Oil has solarized over 36,000 retail outlets.
- Self-reliance in electricity is essential for national growth.
- India's solar energy capacity has risen to 105.65 GW.
- Solar energy contributes to a sustainable economy.
- Increased tax returns reflect a growing financial culture.
New Delhi, July 4 (NationPress) The Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, emphasized on Friday that achieving self-sufficiency in electricity is vital for India's autonomy, with solar power playing a pivotal role. The minister noted that in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, Indian Oil Corp Ltd has enhanced India's capability by completely solarizing over 36,000 retail locations, where the majority of operations are now powered by solar energy.
This remarkable initiative not only reduces electricity expenses but also significantly contributes to establishing a 'Green India', as stated by the minister in a post on the social media platform X.
He remarked, “New India is advancing with the principle of balancing Economy and Environment. Whether it's the rooftop of a residence, an office, or a factory... if there is any available space, leverage solar energy. It is emerging as a crucial means of fulfilling energy demands.”
India's solar energy capacity has surged dramatically over the past 11 years—from merely 2.82 GW in 2014 to an astounding 105.65 GW as of March 31 this year, based on official statistics.
The cumulative installed solar capacity of 105.65 GW includes 81.01 GW from ground-mounted systems, 17.02 GW from rooftop solar, 2.87 GW from hybrid project components, and 4.74 GW from off-grid solutions. This growth signifies a consistent adoption of solar energy across both utility-scale and distributed sectors.
The increase in solar power capacity installation has been supported by a robust domestic manufacturing base for solar cells and wafers, which was nearly non-existent in 2014. India has now established a solid foundation with 25 GW of solar cell manufacturing and 2 GW of wafer production.
Puri also mentioned that the number of income tax returns filed has risen from 3.6 crore in the fiscal year 2013-14 to 8.5 crore in the fiscal year 2024-25, with 95 percent processed within 30 days. These statistics illustrate India's developing financial culture. When taxation is handled transparently, it becomes a potent tool for empowerment. This is evident in the welfare initiatives of the Modi government, he added.