The Central Electronics Limited (CEL) has announced the auction results for its 44 MW solar tender.

In December last year, CEL had invited bids to install solar-based small projects with capacities ranging between 0.25 MW to 10 MW on the open, unused lands in the premises of existing substations of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL).

The project would be developed in two parts. Part I will consist of site surveys, submission of drawings for approval, minutes of the meet, and project design document. Part II will comprise the implementation of small solar power projects with an operation and maintenance (O&M) period of 10 years.

The winners of the auction are Gensol Engineering Private Limited, Kor Energy India Private Limited, Purshotam Profiles Private Limited, Mitcon Consultancy and Engineering Services Limited, and Kalpa Power Private Limited.

Gensol Engineering Private Limited won a capacity of 13.2 MW. Kor Energy Private Limited won a capacity of 11 MW, whereas Purshotam Profiles Private Limited won a capacity of 8.8 MW. Mitcon Consultancy and Engineering Services Limited won 6.6 MW, and Kalpa Power Private Limited won a capacity of 4.4 MW. All the five companies had bid for 44 MW at different tariff rates, in which Gensol had quoted the lowest price of ₹15.1 (~$0.211)/W. After the lowest tariff of ₹15.1 (~$0.211)/W quoted by Gensol, CEL asked the companies to go with the tariff rate of ₹15.05 ($0.210)/W.

The scope of work includes the supply of balance of system, including module mounting structures and any other items required for the installation of the solar PV projects. CEL will supply 310Wp of solar PV modules at the designated project sites.

Recently, the government of India invited an expression of interest for the proposed disinvestment of 100% shareholding in Central Electronics Limited. The last date for the submission of interest is March 16, 2020.

A few months ago, CEL had floated a tender for 5 MW of multi-crystalline solar modules for several substations in Maharashtra.