The Forest Department of Maharashtra has invited bids to commission 1.5 MW of rooftop or ground-mounted solar projects for Chandrama Forest Academy under Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) mode.

The estimated work cost is ₹100 million (~$1.19 million). The project must be commissioned within six months of receiving the work order.

The projects can be commissioned in two categories: i) 100-1,000 kW and ii) 1,200-1,500 kW.

The last day to submit the bids is September 26, 2024. Bids will be opened the next day.

Bidders must furnish an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of ₹500,000 (~$5,956) and a tender form fee of ₹3,540 (~$42).

The department will sign 25-year power purchase agreements with the developers. Forest Academy, Chandrapur, and SABV Botanical Garden, Chandrapur, will be beneficiaries.

Bidders for the 100-1,000 kW category must have experience installing 1,000 kW of solar projects, including a single project with an 800 kW capacity in RESCO mode within the last three financial years.

Bidders for the 1200-1,500 kW category must have experience in installing 1,500 kW of solar projects, including a single project of 1,200 kW capacity in RESCO mode, within the last three financial years.

Bidders must have had an annual turnover of ₹30 million (~$357,393) in one of the last three financial years or an average turnover of ₹50 million (~$595,655) over the previous three years.

The firm’s net worth must not be negative as of the bid submission date and should not have eroded by more than 30% in the past three years.

Startups and micro and small enterprises are eligible to participate. They are exempt from the experience and turnover criteria but still must pay the tender fee, EMD, and security deposit.

The costs for providing roof access, walkways, ladders, net meters, new transformers, AMR meters, MSEDCL net metering application fees, and additional AC incomer cables beyond 100 meters will be covered by the Maharashtra Government. These expenses can also be subject to mutual negotiation. These costs are not included in the tariff rates as they may vary depending on specific cases or locations.

Earlier, Maharashtra Energy Development Agency invited bids to implement 10 MW grid-connected rooftop solar power systems in RESCO mode on government sector buildings.

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