INKEL, a public-private partnership initiative promoted by the Government of Kerala, has invited bids from contractors for operating and maintaining 15.7 MW grid-connected ground-mounted solar power projects at various locations in Kerala.

The last date for submitting bids is May 24, 2024. Bids will be opened the same day.

Bidders have to pay ₹1,000 (~$12.01) + GST.

The contract is for two years from the date of site handover.

Site locations and the capacity of solar power plants are as follows:

• A solar power project at the 110kV KSEBL Substation Kottiyam with a capacity of 600 kW in Kollam
• Two solar projects — one at the 220kV KSEBL Substation Brahmapuram with a capacity of 2.25 MW, and another at KSEBL Land Brahmapuram with a capacity of 0.5 MW – in Ernakulam
• Two projects — one at the 220kV KSEBL Substation Kanjikode with a capacity of 3 MW, and another at the 110kV KSEBL Substation Nenmara with a capacity of 1.5 MW – in Palakkad.

The scope of work includes routine and non-routine maintenance, project operation, carrying out all responsibilities for safe and efficient operation and maintenance in compliance with standards, and adhering to regulatory obligations.

The minimum performance ratio required is 75%.

Bidder must meet the following eligibility criteria: (a) be registered under GST; (b) have experience as a solar PV system integrator, ANERT accredited Urjamitra center, or electrical substation O&M service provider; and (c) possess experience in operating and maintaining ground-mounted solar power projects with HT infrastructure.

The contractor must submit a performance guarantee of 5% of the yearly O&M contract value awarded after the contract is awarded.

Liquidated damages will apply in case of outages. If the project experiences an outage due to component failure resulting from inadequate maintenance and is not rectified within seven days, INKEL reserves the right to seek liquidated damages.

INKEL also reserves the right to terminate the contract at any time during the contract period under certain circumstances.

Recently, INKEL issued a tender for module mounting structures for a 3.5 MW solar power project in Mylatty of Kasaragode district.

Last year, INKEL invited bids to select a contractor to supply the balance of system items, installation, and commissioning of 2.7 MW grid-connected ground mount solar projects in the state.

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