MPUVNL Invites Bids for Rooftop Solar Projects in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd. (MPUVNL) has issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to select Solar Power Developers (SPDs) for the installation of grid-connected rooftop solar PV systems on government buildings across various districts.

These projects are being implemented under the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana in Chhindwara, Dhar, and Seoni districts, which aim to promote clean energy adoption and reduce electricity costs for government facilities. The bidding process will follow a single-stage, two-part system, including a reverse auction.

For Chhindwara district, MPUVNL has invited bids for a total of 803 kW of rooftop solar installations across eight government sites. Bidders interested in participating must submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of INR 8,03,000, along with a non-refundable document fee of INR 25,000 (excluding taxes). The selected bidder will be responsible for executing the project and entering into Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with the designated Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) of the respective government departments.

Similarly, for Dhar district, MPUVNL has floated an RFP for 829 kW of rooftop solar capacity to be installed at various government locations. The EMD for this district is INR 829,000, with the same document fee and registration process as Chhindwara. The selected developer will be required to ensure compliance with all technical and financial criteria while meeting the project deadlines.

In Seoni district, the RFP calls for 583 kW of rooftop solar installations. The EMD for this district is INR 583,000, and bidders must also pay a document fee of INR 25,000 (excluding taxes). The successful bidder will be responsible for developing the rooftop solar PV system and ensuring proper metering arrangements as per the latest regulations of the Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (MPERC).

The metering and interconnection processes must comply with the Grid Interactive Renewable Energy Systems and Related Matters Regulation and any subsequent amendments.

Bidders are required to register themselves online on the E-bidding Portal (if not already registered) as a ‘Supply-Organisation/Bidder’. This requires payment of the ‘Buyer-specific Annual Portal Registration Fee’ to ISN-ETS, which is INR 3,000 (plus applicable taxes). Only registered bidders will be able to access and participate in the tender process.

As per MPUVNL's schedule, the first pre-bid meeting is scheduled for February 25, 2025, followed by the last date for receiving written queries from bidders on March 1, 2025. Responses to these queries will be provided by March 5, 2025. A second pre-bid meeting will be held on March 10, 2025, with the last date for submitting further written queries set for March 12, 2025. Responses to these queries will be shared on March 15, 2025. The last date for bidder registration is April 1, 2025, which is also the proposal due date. Hard copies of the bid documents must be submitted by April 4, 2025. Qualification proposals will be opened on April 4, 2025, followed by the opening of financial proposals on April 15, 2025.

MPUVNL has set specific eligibility criteria to ensure that only capable and experienced developers participate in these projects. The bidding process is open to companies, consortiums (limited to two members), and specific types of Limited Liability Companies (LLCs). However, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) are not eligible to participate.

Single bidding entities have the option to form a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), while consortiums, foreign companies, and eligible LLCs are required to establish an SPV. Shareholders must maintain a minimum of 74 percent equity until the SPV is incorporated, ensuring financial stability and accountability.

In the case of consortiums, a Lead Member must be nominated, who will be required to hold at least 26 percent equity in the SPV and maintain at least 51 percent control.

Bidders must not have any conflict of interest, meaning they should not be under common ownership or control with any other participating bidder. Furthermore, bidders from countries that share a land border with India must be registered with the Competent Authority, as per the guidelines stated in the Office Memorandum. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to disqualification from the bidding process.

Further, the selected solar power developers will be responsible for installing, operating, and maintaining the rooftop solar PV systems. Each unit of the district project will be connected at the Interconnection Point for Net Metering under the prevailing MPERC regulations. The developers will also handle the evacuation of power, metering arrangements, and replacement of meters as required.

The electricity generated from these solar systems will be purchased by the concerned DDOs of the respective government departments as per the terms outlined in the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). This arrangement ensures a structured off-take mechanism, providing revenue certainty to the selected developers.

Bidders are required to submit both qualification and financial proposals, with the financial bid primarily focusing on the tariff for the first contract year. The reverse auction mechanism will determine the lowest tariff offered by the bidders, which will be the basis for awarding the contracts.

MPUVNL will assess the proposals based on multiple factors, including financial strength, technical capability, adherence to regulatory guidelines, and past experience in similar projects. Selected bidders must ensure that they comply with all contractual obligations, failing which they may be subjected to penalties or blacklisting from future projects.

Through these rooftop solar projects, MPUVNL aims to enhance renewable energy adoption across Madhya Pradesh, reducing dependency on conventional energy sources and promoting sustainable power generation. These initiatives align with India’s broader renewable energy targets, contributing to a cleaner and more energy-efficient future for government institutions.