MAHAPREIT Invites Bids for 500 MW Rooftop Solar Projects Across Five States

The Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy & Infrastructure Technology Limited (MAHAPREIT) has invited bids for the development of 500 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) projects, with an additional 50 percent ‘greenshoe’ option, across micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) units in Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.

The tende follows the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model and aims to boost solar adoption among MSMEs. Under this model, selected developers will design, supply, finance, install, and operate the rooftop systems for a 20-year period, while selling power to MSMEs. 

The last date for bid submission is July 15  with mandatory submission of hard copies of technical bids on the same day. Technical bids will be opened on July 16. While the financial bid opening date will be notified later.

A pre-bid meeting is scheduled online for June 30,. Each bidder may nominate up to two representatives and must email participation details in advance.

The RFP outlines four project categories based on the size of the rooftop solar PV systems: Category A1 includes projects ranging from 20 kW to 100 kW, Category A2 covers systems between 101 kW and 250 kW, Category A3 includes capacities from 251 kW to 1000 kW, while Category A4 pertains to projects above 1000 kW.

Each category comes with its own technical experience requirement. For example, A4 category bidders must demonstrate a cumulative installation of over 2,000 kW and successful commissioning and operation of at least one 500 kW and two 250 kW plants, each operational for at least a year.

Bidders must demonstrate a net worth of INR 25 lakh per MW or a turnover of INR 1 crore per MW. Financial eligibility can be fulfilled either individually or jointly in the case of a consortium, with appropriate documentary proof, including audited financials for FY2023–24 or FY2024–25.

The non-refundable tender fee is INR 10,000 plus 18 percent GST, payable on the MAHATENDERS web portal. Bid security must be submitted online, though alternative modes such as DD, FDR, or bank guarantee are permitted if the bidder faces issues with online submission.

No exemption from bid security is provided to any bidder category, including MSMEs or public sector undertakings. Successful bidders must retain a minimum of 51 percent shareholding in the project SPV for at least one year post commissioning. Listed companies are exempted from this condition.

Bidders must also submit duly signed and sealed checklists and declarations as prescribed in the RFP to confirm compliance with all technical and financial requirements.