Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam (JDVVNL) has issued a call for proposals to install and activate 25 grid-connected solar power projects in the Balesar, Dechu, Sekhala, and Shergarh subdivisions of Jodhpur circle. These projects, totaling 64.48 MW, fall under Component C of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) program, which aims to solarise feeder-level infrastructure.Under the renewable energy service company (RESCO) model, the selected developer will be responsible for various tasks, including project design, surveying, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning. Additionally, they will handle the operation and maintenance of the projects for duration of 25 years from the commissioning date.The developer will also be accountable for supplying, erecting, and maintaining the associated 33 kV or 11 kV lines that connect the solar projects to the relevant substations. This responsibility encompasses bay, breakers, and metering systems.Bidders must submit their proposals online by August 2, 2023, and the bids will be opened on August 4. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 35 million ($426,328) per MW.To participate in the bidding process, interested parties are required to provide an earnest money deposit of Rs 100,000 ($1,218) per MW of the quoted capacity. Once awarded the project, the successful bidder must furnish a performance bank guarantee equivalent to Rs 500,000 ($6,091) per MW within one month of receiving the work order.The project must be completed within nine months of signing the power purchase agreement (PPA), and the PPA itself will be executed between the selected bidder and the Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam within seven days of submitting the performance bank guarantee. This PPA will span 25 years and will have a levelised tariff.The solar project developer is responsible for installing the necessary number of solar modules and associated equipment to achieve a minimum capacity utilisation factor (CUF) of 19 per cent.Only commercially established and operational technologies are allowed for the projects to minimise technological risks and ensure timely commissioning.To be eligible for the tender, individuals who possess the required land for the project, such as landowners and farmers, must submit an undertaking certifying ownership of assets amounting to at least 20 per cent of the total cost of the quoted capacity.Bidders must also demonstrate a minimum average annual turnover of at least 30 per cent of the total cost of the quoted capacity during the last three financial years.JDVVNL has mandated the use of domestically manufactured solar modules listed on the latest Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).In a separate tender, JDVVNL has invited bids for the installation and commissioning of an additional 55.72 MW of grid-connected solar power projects in the Baori, Mathania, Osian, and Tinwari subdivisions of Jodhpur Circle under Component C of the PM-KUSUM program.In November 2022, Rajasthan introduced the Saur Krishi Ajivika Yojna as part of Component C of the PM-KUSUM program. This initiative aims to promote decentralised solar project development at load centers with predominantly agricultural consumption in rural areas.