The Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA), a state-run entity, has invited bids for the development of 40 MW grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) rooftop projects at various locations across the state.

The scope of work includes the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the project.

The successful bidder would also be required to provide Operation and Maintenance (O&M) services to the project for a period of five years.

The BREDA has specified that the interested bidders must bid for a minimum of 1 MW. The last date for the bid submission is 16 February 2018. It will undertake a competitive bidding process to shortlist and qualify the suitable bidders for the projects, which will be developed under the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) model.

In December 2017, the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) released a draft document for rooftop net metering regulations, applicable to all distribution licensees and companies (DISCOMs) and their consumers in Bihar. One of the primary reasons for the introduction of the regulation was that the distribution companies (DISCOMs) in Bihar are likely to fall short of meeting their Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs). Since the inception of the National Solar Mission (NSM), there hasn’t been much progress in Bihar as far as solar installations are concerned, for both rooftop and ground-mounted projects.

According to Mercom’s India Solar Project Tracker, the cumulative installed solar capacity in Bihar is 110 MW.

Recently, Mercom reported that the Power Finance Corp (PFC), a government of India enterprise,  approved a financial aid of ₹13.5 billion (~$212 million) to Bihar for a transmission line project.

Ankita is an editor at MercomIndia.com where she writes and edits clean energy news stories and features. With years of experience in the news business, Ankita has a nose for news and an eye for detail. Prior to Mercom, Ankita was associated with The Times of India as a copy editor for the organization’s digital news desk. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Delhi University and a Postgraduate Diploma in journalism. More articles from Ankita Rajeshwari.