The Central Electronics Limited (CEL), a public-sector enterprise of the central government, has invited an Expression of Interest (EoI) for empanelment of manufactures of solar water pumps in tenders under the KUSUM program (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan).

The last date to submit the EoI is August 31, 2019. According to the CEL, any company registered in the country can participate, and the company must be a manufacturer of solar water pumps.

CEL has specified that the company must carry out the testing of solar water pumping systems at their cost along with solar modules that will be manufactured by the CEL.  The modules will be provided by CEL at the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) designated testing centers on a returnable basis for these tests.

Recently, the MNRE issued detailed guidelines to implement the KUSUM program with plans for Indian farmers to solarize agriculture. Mercom previously reported that in March 2019, the central government approved the launch of KUSUM program aimed at helping the farmers install solar pumps and grid-connected solar power projects, which in turn would provide financial and water security to farmers.

The program has been divided into three components and aims to add a solar capacity of 25,750 MW by 2022 with the central government’s support of ₹344.22 billion (~$4.99 billion). The MNRE has specified that it will be mandatory to use indigenously manufactured solar panels with indigenous solar cells and modules. The balance of system (BoS) should also be manufactured indigenously. The vendor must declare the list of imported components used in the solarization system.

Under the program, a maximum extension of six months will be provided to set up the pumps. For a delay of more than one month, 10% of the service charge will be deducted, and for a delay of up to three months, an additional 10% of service charge will be deducted. Moreover, for a delay of up to six months, an additional 10% of the service charge will be deducted. No extension will be granted beyond six months, and only those systems which are installed and commissioned within the stipulated time will be considered for the release of central financial assistance.

Solar power is one of the most versatile forms of energy, with boundless potential and can be a game-changer for the agricultural sector, saving precious water resources, reducing dependency on the grid, and even becoming an additional revenue stream for farmers.

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