Central Electronics Limited (CEL), a Government of India enterprise, has tendered 100 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar to be installed on office buildings and railway stations under zonal railways, using the RESCO model. The bidding process will be implemented on a state-wise basis and bidders can apply for a maximum of three states or 20 MW capacity. The minimum project size is 50 kW. Bid-submission deadline is March 6, 2017. According to the tender document, the tariff in the first three years will be capped at Rs.6.00 (~$0.087)/kWh for general category states and union territories, and the tariff for special category states and union territories will be capped at Rs.4.00 (~$0.058)/kWh in the first three years.

Bidding will be based on a levelized tariff. Successful bidders under general category states and union territories will be provided an incentive of Rs.18,750 (~$274.741)/kW, whereas successful bidders with under special category states will be provided Rs.45,000 (~$659.379)/kW as incentive. Bidders will be required to furnish year on year tariff for 25 years starting from the date of commissioning of the project. Tariff stream quoted by the bidder will then be levelized with a discounting rate of 11 percent year-over-year. Capacity will be allocated based on the lowest levelized tariff quoted for 25 years in each state.

The scope of work includes, site survey, design, manufacture, supply, erection, testing and commissioning including warranty, operation, and maintenance of Rooftop solar PV systems for a period of 25 years after commissioning of project, in different states and union territories in different railway zones.

According to Mercom’s India Solar Project Tracker, as of December 2016, 605 MW of rooftop solar has been installed.