POWERGRID Invites Bids for Rooftop Solar Projects in Western Region

POWERGRID Energy Services Ltd. (PESL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (PGCIL), has invited bids for the supply, installation, and commissioning of rooftop solar power projects on POWERGRID buildings across Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

This initiative is part of the PM Surya Ghar (PMSGY) Scheme, which aims to accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar installations nationwide. The tender follows a fixed-rate contract model and involves a comprehensive scope of work, including the design, engineering, and procurement of rooftop solar PV systems; manufacturing, testing, and supply of solar panels and related equipment; transportation; installation; and commissioning of grid-connected rooftop solar PV power plants; integration with the existing Power Control Centre (PCC) to ensure seamless grid connectivity; and a five-year Comprehensive Maintenance Contract (CMC) post-commissioning.

The bidding process follows an open, single-stage, two-envelope system and is conducted through the PRANIT Portal. The pre-bid meeting for the tender is scheduled for February 25, 2025. The document sale began on February 18, 2025, and will end on March 4, 2025. Soft copy bid submissions started on February 18, 2025, with the deadline set for March 4, 2025.

The bids will be opened on March 5, 2025. To participate, bidders must be registered on the PRANIT portal and possess a Class 3B Digital Certificate for e-submission. Additionally, hard copy submissions are mandatory before the deadline. While the tender fee is NIL, an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of INR 10 crore is required. This tender does not include an electronic reverse auction (e-RA).

The project scope includes the installation and integration of rooftop solar PV power plants on POWERGRID buildings, ensuring seamless integration with existing AC Distribution Boards (PCCs) near the rooftops. Metering and grid connectivity will be managed through the deployment of three-phase net meters, reverse power flow schemes, or zero export controllers as per respective state utility policies.

If required, contractors must provide reverse power flow blocking schemes or zero export controllers in place of net meters at no additional cost. A critical component of the contract is the five-year Comprehensive Maintenance Contract (CMC), ensuring optimal performance and longevity of the systems. Additionally, water supply arrangements will be provided at a single point near the building, with contractors responsible for further distribution for panel cleaning and maintenance.

The bidder must meet technical and financial criteria to qualify. For technical experience, they must have commissioned at least 300 kW of grid-connected solar plants in the last three years, be an ALMM-listed solar PV module manufacturer, or be a distributor/dealer who has supplied at least 1 MW of solar modules. Supporting documents such as net metering certificates, ALMM listings, and purchase orders are required. Financially, the bidder must have a positive net worth for the last three years, a minimum average annual turnover of INR 6 crore over the best three years in the last five, and liquid assets or credit access of at least INR1 crore. Start-ups and MSEs qualify with 80 percent of the financial criteria. The employer may assess capacity through document verification, site visits, manufacturing capacity checks, quality systems, and feedback from customers and banks.

Interested bidders can download the bidding documents from the PRANIT e-tendering portal and the Government of India’s Central Public Procurement Portal. They must carefully review the Pre-Qualification Criteria (PQC) and compliance requirements before submission.

The PM Surya Ghar Scheme is a flagship initiative to promote large-scale adoption of rooftop solar projects across India. This POWERGRID tender presents a significant business opportunity for EPC contractors, solar module manufacturers, and system integrators.