The NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited (NVVN), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC), has floated a tender for 7.2 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) projects.

The solar systems will be installed under CAPEX (capital expenditure) model in the Mandideep area, around 25 km from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh’s capital city.

The last date for the submission of bids is December 4, 2019.

Interested bidders need to pay a sum of ₹3 million (~$42,089) as the bid security deposit.

The scope of work includes the design, engineering, supply, construction, erection, testing, commissioning, and operation and maintenance (O&M) of the projects for ten years.

The successful bidder will also have to take responsibility for the monthly joint meter reading with consumers and coordination with them during the O&M period. Moreover, they can also identify more customers in the nearby area who are ready to get the solar systems installed on their premises at the same terms and conditions.

As per the technical specifications of the proposed projects, the parameters include the solar PV array, module mounting structure, power conditioning unit consisting of maximum power point tracker, charge controller, inverter, controls and projections, and interconnecting cables and switches.

All the components and parts used in the projects, including the PV modules, metallic structures, and switches, should conform to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) or International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), or any other international specifications.

According to the NTPC, the projects will consist of cells and modules from the models and manufacturers who are included in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers.

Earlier this year, Mercom had reported that from March 31, 2020, all government projects would be required to procure solar components from MNRE-listed companies only. The government had announced that the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) would enlist the eligible models and manufacturers of solar PV cells and modules complying with the Bureau of Indian Standards and publish it as a list named, “Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).

For this tender, the developer can use indigenous or imported mono or polycrystalline solar PV modules as per the specifications prescribed by the MNRE.

According to the NTPC, interested bidders should apply for a single package of around 3.6 MW. In each package, there are around 55 sites with a capacity ranging from less than 10 kW to more than 500 kW.  The Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) should be furnished for each package by the successful bidders within 15 days of the issuance of the Letter of Allocation by NVVN.

In October 2019, Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (MPUVNL), in partnership with the MP Industrial Development Corporation, had reissued its tender for 28 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar systems.  The project called for the sale of solar power under the RESCO model for the industries located at Mandideep.

The state of Madhya Pradesh currently has an installed solar capacity of 2 GW, according to Mercom’s India Solar Project Tracker. A total of 200 MW of solar projects are under development in the state.

Image credit: Altsyssolar

Anjana is a news editor at Mercom India. Before joining Mercom, she held roles of senior editor, district correspondent, and sub-editor for The Times of India, Biospectrum and The Sunday Guardian. Before that, she worked at the Deccan Herald and the Asianlite as chief sub-editor and news editor. She has also contributed to The Quint, Hindustan Times, The New Indian Express, Reader’s Digest (UK edition), IndiaSe (Singapore-based magazine) and Asiaville. Anjana holds a Master’s degree in Geography from North Bengal University, and a diploma in mass communication and journalism from Guru Ghasidas University, Bhopal.