The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has announced tenders for 1.75 MW grid-connected rooftop solar installations across institutions in Meghalaya, Assam, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, and New Delhi. These projects will be implemented under the renewable energy service company (RESCO) model on a build-own-operate basis.

Project Breakdown NIT Meghalaya: 800 kW (?5.15/kWh) NITTTR Chandigarh: 150 kW (?4.66/kWh) IIT Bhilai: 450 kW (?4.50/kWh) NEHHDC Guwahati: 250 kW (?5.00/kWh) ICSSR New Delhi: 100 kW (?5.15/kWh) The maximum tariff rates for these projects range from Rs 4.50 ($0.052)/kWh to Rs 5.15 ($0.059)/kWh.

Key Details The scope of work includes design, supply, installation, commissioning, and a 25-year operation and maintenance period under a power purchase agreement (PPA). The deadline for bid submissions is February 28, 2025, with bids to be opened on March 5, 2025.

Financial Requirements:

Earnest money deposits: Rs 90,000 ($1,041) to Rs 792,000 ($9,169). Performance bank guarantees: Rs 3,375 ($41)/kW for zone III, Rs 3,713 ($45)/kW for zone IV. Additional service charges: Rs 1,350 ($16)/kW (zone III) and Rs 1,485 ($18)/kW (zone IV) plus GST. Bid processing fee: Rs 6,000 (~$72) inclusive of GST.

Equipment and Timelines The projects mandate the use of high-efficiency mono passivated emitter and rear contact cell modules with at least 500 Wp capacity and 20% efficiency. Inverters must maintain a total harmonic distortion below 3% at a 50 Hz output.

Commissioning deadlines are set at nine months for zone III projects and 12 months for zone IV, with a maximum allowable delay of six months.

Operational Expectations Developers are responsible for obtaining net-metering approvals within 90 days of signing the PPA. The annual capacity utilization factor is set at 15% for zone III and 13.5% for zone IV. Liquidated damages will apply for unmet energy supply targets, calculated at 50% of the tariff rate.

Recent SECI Initiatives In other developments, SECI has invited bids for a 10 MW floating solar project in Telangana and a 125 MW/500 MWh standalone battery energy storage system in Kerala, highlighting its commitment to scaling renewable energy infrastructure across India.