The Rajasthan State Road Corporation (RSRTC) has floated a tender to develop 4 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar projects at its depots.

The scope of work of this tender includes the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the projects. The developers will also be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the project for 25 years.

The rooftop solar projects will be developed under the renewable energy service company (RESCO) model on the premises of RSRTC identified by the developer. Bidders are expected to be selected based on the lowest tariff quoted.

Bidders will also have to submit an earnest money deposit (EMD) of ₹3.6 million ($50,950). The last date for the submission of this tender is October 10, 2019.

Last month, the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RRECL) issued a tender for 50 MW of rooftop solar projects under the RESCO model. Since there is no subsidy provided for these projects, the developers are allowed to choose modules made in India or imported. The modules need to meet the certifications as prescribed by MNRE.

In March 2019, the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) amended its net metering regulations passed in the year 2015 for solar rooftop and small-scale grid-interactive systems. One of the significant point was that, in the event the electricity injected by a domestic category consumer exceeds the electricity consumed during the billing period, such excess injected power above 100 units will be paid by the distribution licensee/company (DISCOM) at the rate of ₹3.14 (~$0.04)/kWh.

Rajasthan has installed solar capacity of 3.5 GW as of Q2 2019, according to Mercom India Solar Project Tracker.  A total of 442 MW of solar projects are under development in the state.

Recently states are issuing tenders for rooftop solar atop government buildings. In August, the Rajasthan Electronics and Instruments Limited (REIL) issued tender to install and commission 2 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar projects at several government buildings in the capital city of Jaipur.

Image credit: International Association of Public Transport

Shaurya is a staff reporter at MercomIndia.com with experience working in the Indian solar energy industry for the past four years in various roles. Prior to joining Mercom, Shaurya worked with a renewable energy developer and a consulting company. Shaurya holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from Lancaster University in the United Kingdom.