The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is inviting bids to commission 666,250 off-grid solar water pumps with a capacity of 1-10 HP in select states across India under Component-B of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) program.

Selected vendors are required to install the solar pumps within 120 days of receiving the notice to proceed in general category states, and within 150 days in special category and hilly states, union territories, and islands.

They must also provide a complete system warranty and its repair and maintenance for five years.

The last day to submit the bids is February 28, 2023. The bids will be opened on March 3.

Bidders must furnish an earnest money deposit equal to 2% of the value of the total state-wise allocation of solar pumps, or 25 solar pumps, whichever is higher.

Selected bidders must deposit a performance bank guarantee equal to 3% of the value of the total state-wise allocation of solar pumps, or 25 solar pumps, whichever is higher.

However, if the total number of solar pumps awarded to the vendor is more than 25 units or 6% of the value of the total state-wise allocation, the vendor will be required to submit an additional performance bank guarantee equal to the differential order value.

Manufacturers of solar modules, solar pumps, and solar pump controllers can participate in the bidding process. Engineering, procurement, and construction contractors, as well as system integrators that have completed similar projects in the past and are in a joint venture with solar module manufacturers, solar pump manufacturers, or manufacturers of solar pump controllers, can also submit their bids.

The highest number of pumps are being set up in Maharashtra (180,000) followed by Haryana (160,000), and Rajasthan (110,000).

The technical criterion for each state/union territory varies based on the number of solar pumps, controllers, and the number of modules to be installed. The minimum average annual turnover requirements also vary from state to state.

In case of any delay in the execution of the order or delay in maintenance beyond the stipulated time schedule, liquidated damages will be levied at 0.5 % of the unexecuted portion of the work for each week of the delay and part thereof subject to a maximum of 3% of the total value of the contract.

Recently, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company invited bids to procure 300 MW of solar power from decentralized solar projects with the capacity range of 500 kW to 2 MW under Component A of KUSUM program.

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