Assam Power Distribution Company (APDCL) has issued a notice inviting tender (NIT) to empanel vendors to install 1.5 MW of grid-connected residential rooftop solar systems in Assam.

The implementation is part of Phase II of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s (MNRE) Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar Program.

The project must be commissioned within 12 months from the date of allocation or 24 months from issuing the approval letter by MNRE to APDCL, whichever is earlier. The successful bidders must provide five years of operation and maintenance (O&M) services.

The last day to submit the bids is May 2, 2022. The bids will be opened on May 4.

Bidders must submit an earnest money deposit of ₹1,175 (~$15.42)/kW of quoted capacity. Local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) registered with the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion’s office in Assam will be exempted from furnishing the earnest money deposit.

Successful bidders must furnish a performance bank guarantee and an additional O&M performance bank guarantee, calculated at 3% of the contract value per allocated capacity multiplied by the discovered cost within 30 days of the issue of the work order.

The project is divided into Parts A, B, C, and D. Under Part A, systems of 1 kW each are to be installed. Bidders can apply for a minimum aggregate capacity of 6 kW and a maximum of 16 kW. The total capacity to be installed under part A is 337 kW. Under Part B, systems above 1 kW up to 2 kW each are to be installed. Bidders can apply for a minimum aggregate capacity of 4 kW and a maximum of 12 kW. The total capacity to be installed under Part B is 217 kW.

Under Part C, systems of above 2 kW up to 3 kW each are to be installed. Bidders can apply for a minimum aggregate capacity of 6 kW and a maximum of 12 kW. The total capacity to be installed under Part C is 246 kW. Under Part D, systems of 3 kW up to 10 kW capacity are to be installed. Bidders can apply for a minimum aggregate capacity of 12 kW and a maximum of 35 kW. The total aggregate capacity for Part D is 700 kW.

The MNRE will provide central financial assistance (CFA) up to 40 % for rooftop solar systems up to 3 kW capacity. For rooftop systems of capacity above 3 kW and up to 10 kW, the CFA of 40% would be applicable only for the first 3 kW capacity, and for capacity above 3 kW, the CFA would be limited to 20%.

Only modules listed in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s list of models and module manufacturers under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) regulation can be used.

Bidders must have designed, supplied, installed, and commissioned grid-connected solar power projects with an aggregate capacity of less than 250 kWp, which should have been commissioned before submitting bids. They must submit a scanned copy of the client’s commissioning certificate and work order. The bids of only those bidders who qualify the minimum technical eligibility criterion shall be considered to determine the L1 price.

Bidders must have a minimum average annual turnover of ₹17,622 (~$231.21)/kW of quoted capacity in any one of the last three financial years preceding the bid deadline. The net worth of the bidders must be greater than or equal to ₹10,000 (~$131.21)/ kW of quoted capacity.

MSMEs registered under the MSME Development Act, 2006 in Assam are exempted from the financial eligibility requirements.

If the bidders fail to commission the approved project within the specified time, the project will be canceled, and APDCL will not disburse CFA.

In February this year, Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited invited bids from consultancy firms to conduct a feasibility study and prepare a detailed project report to develop a 70-90 MW floating solar project in the Karimganj district.

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