Himachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency (HIMURJA) has invited bids to empanel vendors for the rate contract to design, manufacture, supply, erect, test, and commission rooftop solar power projects of capacities ranging from 1 kW to 500 kW under the net metering and net billing program.

The solar systems will be installed on the rooftops of domestic, government, institutional, or other buildings throughout the state of Himachal Pradesh.

The scope of work also includes warranty, operation, and maintenance of the systems for five years.

Rooftop solar systems with 1 kW to 50 kW will be installed under the net metering program, and projects above 50 kW up to 500 kW will be installed under the net billing program in the state of Himachal Pradesh as per the technical specifications of the MNRE, prescribed under the grid-connected rooftop solar program, Phase-II program.

The last date for submission of bids is February 20, 2024. Bids will be opened the next day.

The selected bidders are required to facilitate all essential arrangements for the efficient evacuation and injection of surplus power into the grid at the agreed interconnection point/points with Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEBL).

Bidders must submit a non-refundable tender document fee of ₹20,000 (~$240.74) and an earnest money deposit of ₹500,000 (~$6,018.51).

Upon acceptance, the successful bidder is expected to sign the contract within two weeks from the date of receiving the acceptance letter issued by the firm.

A performance security amounting to 10% of the total cost will be withheld and released after the completion of the five-year warranty period, based on recommendations from the concerned authority.

The grid-connected rooftop solar power project will encompass various capacity groups, each designed to cater to specific energy needs. These capacity groups are delineated as follows: Group 1, ranging from 1 kW to 3 kW; Group 2, accommodating capacities greater than 3 kW up to 10 kW; Group 3, with capacities exceeding 10 kW and extending up to 50 kW; Group 4, covering capacities from over 50 kW to 100 kW; and Group 5, spanning capacities surpassing 100 kW and reaching up to 500 kW.

Supply orders for the installation and commissioning of grid-connected rooftop projects, undertaken on a full-cost basis, will exclusively be awarded to the L-1 firm.

The performance of the approved firm will be assessed bimonthly. If, at any point, the performance of the L-1 firm is deemed unsatisfactory, HIMURJA will approach the L-2 firm, seeking their willingness to undertake the project at the lowest received/approved rates.

If the L-2 firm agrees, supply orders will be placed with them. If not, the process will be repeated with subsequent firms, such as the L-3 firm, until a willing firm is found.

Payment for the contract will be in the specified currency and will follow a two-stage process. Initially, 50% of the contract price will be paid upon receipt of goods in good condition and verified bills.

After the project is completed and final acceptance is achieved, 40% will be disbursed. The remaining 10% will serve as performance security and will be released after the five-year warranty period, contingent on satisfactory performance.

In case of a delay, a penalty will be applied at the rate of 1% per week on the total value of the supply order, up to a maximum of 5% for a delay lasting five weeks. This penalty will be imposed if the firm fails to commission the rooftop solar project, complete in all respects at the beneficiaries’ site, within 90 days from the issuance of the award letter.

The bidder should demonstrate a minimum cumulative financial turnover of ₹15 million (~$180,541) in the last three financial years (2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23).

The bidder should have experience in similar works, including the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of a minimum 100 kW capacity of grid-connected rooftop projects over the last five years. These projects must be currently operational and functioning satisfactorily.

The bidder is required to have a service center within the state equipped to carry out repair and maintenance of the rooftop solar project with qualified staff. Details of the service center must be provided in the bid. If a service center is not currently in place, the bidder must commit to establishing one within one month of receiving the work order.

In December, Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation invited bids to develop 50 MW of solar power projects anywhere in the state.

The state also invited bids for the empanelment of survey agencies to carry out a detailed topographical survey of solar power project sites in various districts of Himachal Pradesh.

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