TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) has invited bids to empanel vendors to install 20 MW of grid-connected residential rooftop solar systems under the Phase-II of Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Program of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

The last date to submit online bids is March 11, 2022. The pre-bid meeting will take place on February 22.

Bidders must provide ₹200,000 (~$2,666) as an earnest money deposit. The successful bidder must submit a performance bank guarantee calculated at the rate of 5% of the cost discovered and allocated capacity in kWp, within 30 days of the letter of award.

TPCODL is the authorized body to execute the tendering process in all four Odisha distribution companies (DISCOMs) on behalf of TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL), TP Northern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPNODL), TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL), and TPCODL.

The company has invited bids under six categories. The rooftop solar capacity under categories A, B, and C, are 1 kW, 2 kW, and 3 kW, respectively. For categories D and E, the capacity is above 3 kW to 10 kW and above 10 kW to 100 kW, respectively. The capacity for category F is above 100 kW to 500 kW.

TPCODL allocated 4.5 MW of rooftop capacity for category A, 3.4 MW for category B, 4.1 MW for category C, 3.5 MW for category D, 2.5 MW for category E, and 2 MW for category F.

TPCODL has also divided 20 MW rooftop capacity into 5 MW each for the DISCOMs.

The scope of work includes the design, supply, erection, and commissioning of grid-connected rooftop solar systems under the capital expenditure (CAPEX) model.

The successful bidder should commission rooftop solar systems within six months from the issuance of the approval letter or 24 months from the date of approval order from MNRE to DISCOM, whichever is earlier. After successfully commissioning these systems, the successful bidder must also provide comprehensive operation and maintenance services for five years.

To participate in the competitive bidding process, bidders must have installed and commissioned 100 kW of grid-connected solar projects before submitting bids. Their average annual turnover should be ₹10 million (~$133,409) in any of the last three financial years.

The bidders who do not have any prior experience or do not have minimum required prior experience in installing grid-connected solar projects will not be allowed to submit price bids. However, the bidders will be allowed to implement rooftop solar projects, subject to matching the lowest bid price.

TPCODL stated that the rooftop installations of up to 3 kW would be eligible for a subsidy of 40%. Installations in the range of 3 kW to 10 kW will get a subsidy of 40% for the first 3 kW and 20%. The central financial assistance will be restricted 20% for the common facilities up to 500 kW for group housing societies and residential welfare associations.

The solar modules and solar cells for the project should be ‘Made in India.’ Solar modules must have a minimum capacity of 250 Wp, minimum efficiency of 75%, and minimum fill factor of 75%. Furthermore, solar modules should carry a performance warranty of over 90% during the first ten years and over 80% during the next 15 years.

Earlier, the Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) invited bids for the empanelment of vendors for the installation of 4 MW of grid-connected residential rooftop solar projects across the state.

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