NHPC Invites Bids for Solar Rooftop Projects in Sikkim Under RESCO Model

NHPC Ltd., on behalf of its subsidiary NHPC Renewable Energy Ltd. (NHPC REL) invites bids to select developers for installing grid-connected solar rooftop plants on government buildings in Sikkim through tariff-based competitive bidding.

The project will be implemented under the RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) model.The process follows a single-stage, two-part bidding system, comprising Part I (Qualification Requirements + Technical Bid) and Part II (Financial Bid), along with an e-Reverse Auction (e-RA).

The eligibility criteria for bidders is classified into financial, technical, and other requirements. For technical eligibility, bidders must have demonstrated experience in similar projects. Specifically, they must have designed, supplied, erected, and commissioned solar photovoltaic (PV) plants with a cumulative capacity of 400 kWp or more, with at least one plant of 40 kWp or more. Alternatively, bidders can qualify if they have acted as developers for grid-connected solar plants meeting the same capacity criteria or if they have executed large infrastructure projects, including electrical substations of 11 kV or above. Experience from group companies, subsidiaries, or holding companies can also be considered, provided a joint performance undertaking is submitted.

The cost of the bid document is INR 1,500 for Categories 1, 2, 3, and 5, and INR 1,000 for Categories 4 and 6. The payment must be made via a demand draft in favour of NHPC Ltd., payable at Faridabad. The bid security (EMD) varies based on the category, with amounts ranging from INR 2.68 lakh to INR 17.72 lakh.

The project is required to be commissioned within nine months from the signing of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Key dates for the tender include the document download start date on January 17, 2025, the pre-bid meeting on January 31, 2025, the bid submission deadline on February 24, 2025, and the opening of technical bids on February 28, 2025. Interested bidders can contact the General Manager (Civil Contracts-I) at NHPC's Faridabad office for additional information and assistance.

In terms of financial eligibility, bidders must meet specific turnover, net worth, and working capital requirements over the past three financial years. For turnover, the requirements range from INR 0.72 crore to INR 3.54 crore depending on the category. For net worth, bidders must show positive net worth in at least two out of the last three years, and for working capital, the required amounts vary by category, from INR 0.30 crore to INR 1.97 crore. The bidder’s audited financial statements must be provided, and if applicable, the financial statements of a JV partner or merged company may be considered. The bidder’s net worth is calculated from the balance sheet, excluding revaluation reserves or any write-back of depreciation.

Additionally, bidders must provide an undertaking confirming that they are not under any insolvency proceedings. The bid must be submitted by a sole entity or as a Joint Venture (JV), with the JV's work experience evaluated based on the JV agreement. For companies that have undergone mergers or acquisitions, past experience from the merged entities will be considered, as long as the company retains the necessary resources. Other documents required for bid submission include a Power of Attorney for the signatory, PAN, GST registration, and a declaration of correctness of the provided information. Finally, if a subsidiary company participates, the parent company must guarantee its performance, ensuring the financial and technical support needed for the project's success. Interested bidders may refer the document for more details.