SECI Invites Bids for 6.25 MW Rooftop Solar Projects Across 10 Premier Institutions

In a significant push towards accelerating the adoption of decentralised renewable energy, the Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd. (SECI) has issued a Request for Selection (RfS) to identify and engage Solar Power Developers (SPDs) for the implementation of 6.25 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across ten prestigious institutions.

The project is structured under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model. The scope of the initiative spans installations across ten prominent educational and research institutions in the country. These include Dr. Hari Singh Gour Vishwavidyalaya (HSGV) in Sagar, National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Kurukshetra, Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Surat, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Visakhapatnam, School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) in Vijayawada, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Amritsar, Central University of Punjab (CUP) in Bhatinda, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Ropar, Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology (SLIET) in Longowal, and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Raebareli.

As the nodal agency, SECI will oversee the competitive bidding process and facilitate the engagement of qualified developers to execute the projects. Under the RESCO framework, the selected developers will invest in, install, operate, and maintain the rooftop solar systems for the duration of the long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), which will range from 20 to 25 years. The developers will supply power to the respective buildings at tariffs determined through a competitive bidding process, with payments based on actual energy output.

The bid processing fee is INR 6000 and the bidders are required to submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) amounting to 2 percent of the total project cost. The last date of submission is 20th May.

Developers must also obtain all necessary permissions, such as net metering approvals, and ensure compliance with technical standards prescribed by State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) and local power distribution companies (DISCOMs).

After commissioning, developers will be responsible for all operation and maintenance (O&M) activities throughout the term of the PPA. Client institutions are expected to provide site access and necessary support, although they will not be held accountable for delays in clearances.

Eligibility requirements for the bidders have been set to attract experienced and credible firms. Technically, applicants must have a minimum of three years of experience in rooftop solar deployments and a cumulative installed capacity of at least 5 MW. They should also have successfully executed RESCO-based projects with a minimum single project capacity of 500 kW.

Financially, developers must demonstrate a net worth of at least INR 1.5 crore per MW of proposed capacity and an average annual turnover of INR 2 crore per MW during the last three financial years. These requirements must be supported by project completion certificates and audited financial documents.

The bidding process will be conducted in a single stage, incorporating both techno-commercial and financial evaluations. While the quoted tariff in ₹/kWh will remain the primary selection criterion, SECI will also consider the technical soundness of the proposal, quality of components, and robustness of the O&M strategy.

SECI has introduced penalties for delays in commissioning and shortfalls in performance. Any underperformance resulting in annual energy output falling below 85 percent of the declared generation will lead to proportionate deductions in payments. Similarly, delays in project commissioning will attract a penalty of INR 10,000 per MW per day. SECI also reserves the right to terminate the contract in case of insolvency, chronic default, or violation of key project milestones.

Some of the buildings covered under this programme may be eligible for Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) subsidies, the specifics of which will be announced at a later date. Developers may also be entitled to benefits such as accelerated depreciation under applicable Indian tax laws.

SECI has advised all prospective bidders to take into account local challenges such as rooftop conditions, shading, and existing grid infrastructure before finalising their bids. Comprehensive insurance,covering equipment, third-party liability, and natural disasters, is mandatory for all developers. Upon completion of the PPA term, ownership of the systems may be transferred to the respective client institutions in accordance with the agreed terms. Interested developers are advised to regularly monitor SECI’s website for updates.