The Paschim Gujarat Vij Company (PGVCL) has issued an expression of interest (EoI) for empaneled agencies to set up 600 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in residential premises.

The date for the pre-bid meeting is July 25, 2019, and the last date for the submission of the bids is August 6, 2019.

Bidders are required to quote the rates inclusive of a comprehensive maintenance contract (CMC) for five years.

For Category A bidders, the earnest money deposit (EMD) totals to ₹700,000 (~$10,150), for non-micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) units it is ₹700,000 (~$257), and for MSMEs, it will be ₹4,00,000 (~$5,800).

Bidders who come under Category B need to pay ₹400,000 (~$5,800) as EMD. They’re expected to have an experience of installing solar rooftop or grid-connected systems in any of the sectors such as residential, social, industrial, commercial, or government.

According to PGVCL, the rates invited are for eleven system capacities of solar systems: 1 kW, 2 kW, 3 kW, 4 kW, 5 kW, 6 kW, > 6kW to 10 kW, 10 kW to 25 kW, 25 kW to 50 kW, 50 to 100 kW  and  >100 kW.

As per the PGVCL, the successful bidders should pay a non-refundable amount of ₹25,000 (~$363) including the GST towards empanelment fees which will be followed by a letter of empanelment.

According to PGVCL, Category-A bidders are those who have experience of successful installation and commissioning of at least 100 kW capacity of solar systems in any sector such as residential, social, industrial, commercial, and government.

Those bidders who fall under Category A should have an average turnover of ₹5000,000 (~$72,550) in the last three fiscal years.

In the scope of work,  the PGVCL has stated that the work is to be carried out on a turnkey basis which includes identification of the beneficiary in the residential category,  survey of the site for its feasibility, sanctioned load of the beneficiary by the DISCOM, design, supply of the solar systems (with all other accessories, equipment and protection devices), installation, testing, commissioning. The responsibility would also include maintenance services for five years.

As far as the technical specifications are concerned, solar PV projects should consist of the required number of crystalline PV modules, grid-interactive power conditioning units, mounting structures, junction boxes, solar meters to name a few.

According to the PGVCL, the modules and solar cells used for this program should be domestically manufactured as per the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s (MNRE) requirement.

The total solar PV array capacity should comprise solar crystalline modules of minimum 250W. Modules with a capacity less than 250W will not be accepted states PGVCL.

During the recently held state budget session, the Gujarat government emphasized on the rooftop solar projects and announced a recalibrated target of 30 GW renewable capacity by 2022. The goal includes both solar and wind.

Mercom reported recently that the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission had approved the power purchase agreements for 500 MW of grid-connected solar projects. The solar PV projects will be developed under Phase III of the state’s Raghanesda Solar Park.