The Rajasthan Electronics and Instruments Limited (REIL) has invited bids to empanel business associates to market, install, and commission 10 HP (horsepower) of off-grid solar water pumps in all districts of Himachal Pradesh.

REIL is jointly promoted by the Government of India and the Government of Rajasthan.

The standalone solar water pumps will be installed and commissioned under the Component B of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) program. The PM KUSUM program was introduced to solarize India’s agricultural sector and has been divided into three components and aims to add a solar capacity of 25.75 GW by 2022. Component B of the program aims to install 1.75 million standalone solar-powered agriculture pumps.

The contract will also include comprehensive maintenance for five years. The last date for the submission of bids is July 29, 2020, and the opening of the bids will take place on July 30, 2020.

Regarding the eligibility criteria, the bidder should have a minimum average annual turnover of ₹2 million (~$26,704) in the last three financial years. The bidder should have the necessary workforce to complete the work assigned and have an established office and other infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh. The bidder should also have experience of installation and commissioning of solar power pumps under government projects.

Recently, Haryana also invited bids for 466 grid-connected DC solar pumping systems under the KUSUM program. The last date for the submission of bids is July 20, 2020.

Notably, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has issued guidelines for installing innovative standalone solar pumps to promote technological innovation in the sector. The MNRE has permitted the installation of these pumps in test mode. The guidelines apply to all Indian innovators, manufacturers, and service providers who intend to install standalone solar pumps under the MNRE’s programs.

Image credit: JREDA