REC Power Trading Company Limited (RECPDCL) has tendered 10 MW of rooftop solar on behalf of Assam Power Distribution Company (APDCL). The APDCL has set a target of 250 MW for the installation of grid-connected rooftop solar PV in Assam in next five years. In the first phase, APDCL selected RECPDCL as Project Management Consultant (PMC) for the implementation of 10 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar PV projects.

The projects will be developed under a capital expenditure (CAPEX) model for APDCL. The bid submission deadline is February 15, 2017. Projects are expected to be complete within 15 months of receipt of letter of award.

The projects to be developed are divided into two categories: Category A – projects between 1 kW and 25 kW, and Category B – projects between 25 kW and 500 kW. A single bidder can be awarded up to 40 percent capacity in a category.

The developer’s scope of work includes identifying buildings for projects, obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from concerned APDCL’s office for grid connectivity, as well as design, engineering, supply, storage, civil work, installation, testing, and commissioning. Additionally, the scope of work will include comprehensive maintenance of the project for a period of five years after commissioning.

The project developers can avail central finance assistance (CFA) of 70 percent of the project cost. CFA will not be available to private, commercial and industrial sectors. The generated solar power will be utilized for captive application and the surplus power will be fed to the grid. This tender does not cover government buildings and government Institutions.

Net metering and grid connectivity under this program will be in accordance with the current guidelines of APDCL and/or CEA/ Regulatory Commission. The cost of net metering shall be borne by the beneficiary. However, facilitating the implementation of net metering, through tasks such as the submission of application in concerned APDCL’s office, follow up and coordinating will be the bidder’s responsibility.

According to Mercom’s India Solar Project Tracker, as of December 2016, 605 MW of rooftop solar has been commissioned in India.

Image Credit: MNRE