The Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEB) has announced the winning bidders for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of 200 MW of grid-connected residential rooftop solar systems across Kerala. The distribution company (discom) of Kerala has allotted 138.25 MW of the 200 MW capacity. Tata Power Solar has won the largest capacity under the 3-10 kW category. Other bidders include Bingas Electrical, BSS Solar, Ishaan Solar and Kondaas Automation. According to a KSEB official, considering the low response from receiving 1-3 kW category, it has released a 100 MW tender for 1-3 kW category under the Phase II Soura Subsidy Program. It has received a response from 34 bidders, and negotiations are ongoing due to high quoted prices. KSEB invited bids this year in February. The winning bidder will have to take care of operations and maintenance (O&M) activities for five years. The project is to be developed under the Soura Subsidy Program. Earlier this year, the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission asked the KSEB to take up the purchase preference for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for the 200 MW rooftop solar tender. The Kerala Renewable Energy Entrepreneurs and Promoters Association asked the KSEB to finalise the tender after considering the government's order. For the project, only indigenously manufactured solar panels, including cells and modules, will be used. According to the tender, the minimum installed capacity at one location should be 1 kW. The 300 MW capacity should be commissioned within three months from the date of issue of the order, and the project above 30 kW to be commissioned within six months. The contractor will be responsible for bearing the cost of setting up the infrastructure for the solar capacity to the inter-connected point and data acquisition. Image Source Also read: RUMSL floats tender for 600 MW floating solar park in Madhya Pradesh