The Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) has issued a tender for 4,664 kW of off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) projects to be developed across the state. The bid submission deadline is March 30, 2019. MEDA is on the lookout for an eligible engineering procurement construction company to develop these projects.

The estimated project cost is ₹447.8 million (~$6.5 million), and the bidders will have to pay an earnest money deposit of ₹4.478 million (~$64,279). The off-grid solar PV projects will be developed on a turnkey basis.

The scope of work includes the design, manufacture, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the off-grid solar PV projects. The successful bidder will also be responsible for maintenance of the off-grid solar PV projects for five years. The off-grid solar PV systems will have battery banks to provide one-day autonomy to the off-grid solar PV systems.

The successful bidder will also be responsible for free replacement of defective components or systems within the first five years of commissioning. The works are to be carried out at 530 different government buildings in Maharashtra.

The bidder must ensure that the off-grid solar PV projects are commissioned within 120 days of the issue of work order.

MEDA will release 60 percent of the total cost after commissioning of the off-grid solar PV projects, 20 percent of the total cost on receipt of one-month successful performance report generated automatically through remote monitoring system and the remaining 20 percent of the project cost on submission of next two-month successful performance report and submission of five-year performance bank guarantee.

The performance bank guarantee will be 15 percent of the entire project cost. If the off-grid solar PV projects are not installed and commissioned within the stipulated period, then the bidder will be required to pay a penalty of 0.5 percent per week, maximum up to 10 percent of the total cost.

Recently,  Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited issued a tender for developing 184 MW (AC) of grid-interactive solar power projects at various locations in the state.