The Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) has invited bids from engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors to set up 1.128 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar systems at 564 primary and upper primary Zilla Parishad schools (2 kW each) in the Nagpur district of the state.

The project’s estimated cost is ₹67.11 million (~$908,900). The cost of each 2 kW rooftop solar system would be ₹119,000 (~$1.610).

The last date to submit bids is January 31, 2022. Technical bids will be opened on the following day. The pre-bid meeting will take place on January 24.

Bidders must submit an earnest money deposit of ₹671,160 (~$9,087). In addition, the successful bidder should furnish 3% of the contract value as a performance security deposit.

The scope of work includes the design, manufacturing, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of grid-connected rooftop solar systems with a 2 kW capacity at 564 Zilla Parishad schools. After commissioning rooftop solar systems, the successful bidder must provide operation and maintenance services for five years.

Bidders must have experience in the manufacturing, installation, and commissioning of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems of over a total of 100 kW capacity. Their minimum annual average turnover should be ₹10 million (~$135,449) per year in the last three financial years.

The successful bidder should commission rooftop solar systems within 120 days from the date of issuance of the work order.

The contractor must use solar modules made in India with a minimum wattage of 250 W for these rooftop solar systems, and they must have a five-year warranty. Modules’ electrical degradation of power generated should not exceed 10% after ten years and must not exceed 20% at the end of 25 years.

In April 2021, MEDA invited bids to develop a renewable energy park in the Yavatmal district of Maharashtra. The contract also included comprehensive maintenance of the project for five years.

Mercom had earlier reported that MEDA issued a tender to develop over 4 MW of solar project. Of this, 1.4 MW of solar project was expected to be developed at Akola, a 1 MW project at Vasai-Virar, and a 1.58 MW at Amravati.

According to Mercom’s India Solar Tender Tracker, MEDA has floated tenders for 39.8 MW of rooftop solar capacity to date.