SGEL Invites Bids for 951 MW Solar Projects Under PM-KUSUM in Maharashtra

SJVN Green Energy Ltd. (SGEL) has floated an EPC tender for setting up 951 MW of solar projects across Maharashtra under MSKVY 2.0 (PM-KUSUM Component C).

The package involves developing 74 solar plants aimed at solarising agricultural feeders, reducing farmers’ reliance on fossil fuels, and strengthening rural energy security. The contract also includes comprehensive operations and maintenance for three years post-commissioning.

The solar projects will be spread across Maharashtra’s key agricultural districts, including Pune with 154 MW, Nashik with 304 MW, Ahmednagar with 315 MW, and Solapur leading with 579 MW. The total capacity has been divided into eight clusters, each ranging from 107 MW to 154 MW. SGEL has permitted a single bidder to apply for one or more clusters or even take up the entire 951 MW capacity, offering significant opportunities for large developers.

These projects will be implemented under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model, where developers will be responsible for end-to-end execution. This includes securing land, except for two locations that are already pre-leased, designing the solar plants, installing all equipment, managing grid connectivity, and fully commissioning the projects. Once operational, the developers are also required to operate and maintain the facilities for a period of three years post-commissioning.

The eligibility criteria for bidders are stringent. Companies must demonstrate a proven track record, having executed at least 30 MWp of solar power projects in the past, including one operational project of at least 10 MWp that has been successfully running for a minimum of three months. Financially, bidders must have an average annual turnover of INR 1.68 crore per megawatt of quoted capacity over the last three financial years, in addition to maintaining a positive net worth.

To further support the domestic manufacturing sector, the tender mandates that all solar modules used must be sourced from manufacturers listed under India’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). Joint ventures are allowed to participate; however, the lead partner must hold a majority stake in the consortium. SGEL has clearly stated that companies blacklisted or debarred by any government agency in India over the past three years will be barred from participating in the tender.

The bidding timeline is sharply defined. Tender documents, priced at INR 5,000 plus GST, are available for download from the Bharat Electronic Tender Portal until July 21, 2025. A pre-bid conference is scheduled to be held at SGEL’s headquarters in Shimla on July 14, 2025. Interested bidders must submit their techno-commercial bids on July 22, 2025, with evaluations set to begin the same day. SGEL also retains the right to conduct a reverse auction among technically qualified bidders to arrive at the most competitive price.

This massive solar push  is expected to not only support India’s climate goals but also bring direct benefits to the farming community. It would empower farmers with reliable daytime solar power for irrigation, significantly reducing their diesel costs and lowering strain on the grid.