The Pune Division of Central Railway has called for bids to enlist agencies for implementing grid-connected rooftop solar power projects in Maharashtra on a state-wise basis. The projects will operate through public-private partnerships and follow a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer model. The projects will fall under two capacity ranges: (i) above 10 kW and up to 100 kW, and (ii) above 100 kW and up to 500 kW. Bidders have the option to quote for either or both capacities. The projects are expected to be operational within 240 days from receiving the work order, with developers responsible for comprehensive operation and maintenance services for 25 years. Bid submissions are due by June 24, 2024, with bids opening on the same day. The bid document cost is Rs 34,810, and bidders must provide an earnest money deposit of Rs 1.07 million/MW of the quoted capacity. Upon selection, bidders must furnish a performance security of Rs 1.6 million/MW and a bid process management fee of Rs 75,000 /MW within 30 days of signing the power purchase agreement. The empanelment will be valid for one year, extendable for another year based on performance and requests from zonal railways. Solar power generated will be utilised by Indian Railways through the net metering system. The chosen bidder will sign a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Railways, potentially at a divisional level if requested by public utilities or zonal railways. Bidders must have experience installing a minimum aggregate capacity of 200 kW of grid-connected rooftop solar systems or 1 MW of any grid-connected systems as a developer or EPC contractor. They should also have had an average annual turnover of Rs 15 million over the past three years and maintained a positive net worth during the same period. The projects will not receive central financial assistance and must use domestically manufactured modules listed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Additionally, the Sonpur Division of the East Central Railway recently invited bids to empanel vendors for installing 1.1 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar power. (Source: Mercom)