Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has invited bids to supply 1,680 MW_DC of solar modules (including cells manufactured in India) under the domestic content requirement (DCR) category.

The total capacity is divided into four packages of 420 MW_DC each. Bidders can quote either for a single package of 420 MW_DC or a maximum of two packages of 840 MW. Bidders must offer only monocrystalline or thin-film modules.

The last day to submit the bids is July 29, 2022. Bids will be opened on the same day.

Bidders must pay ₹25,000 (~$316) as a tender processing fee. They must submit an earnest money deposit of ₹190 million (~$2.4 million) in case of a single package and ₹380 million (~$4.8 million) for two packages. Successful bidders must submit 3% of the contract value as a contract performance security.

SECI reserves the right to increase or decrease the quoted module capacity by plus or minus 10% when placing the order on the same price, terms, and conditions of the contract. Successful bidders must supply 0.5% of awarded package capacity as mandatory spares in addition to the awarded package.

Bidders must comply with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s list of models and module manufacturers under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) regulation.

If their module manufacturing facility is existing and under production, manufacturers can submit bids for a single package if they can manufacture a minimum of 560 MW per annum. For submitting a bid for two packages, they must have a facility capable of manufacturing a minimum of 1,120 MW per annum.

If their module facility capable of manufacturing a minimum of 560 MW is under construction, bidders can submit bids for a single package. To bid for two packages, they must be setting up a manufacturing facility capable of manufacturing a minimum of 1,120 MW of modules per annum.

Companies bidding for a single package must have a minimum average annual turnover of ₹3.8 billion (~$48.08 million) in the last three financial years ending March 31, 2022. For those bidding for two packages, the companies must have a minimum average annual turnover of ₹7.6 billion (~$96.16 million).

The bidders’ net worth in the last financial year should be positive.

In the case of bids for a single package, bidders should have a minimum working capital of ₹2.38 billion (~$30.1 million). If their working capital is inadequate, bidders should supplement this with a letter from their bank, having a net worth not less than ₹5 billion (~$63.25 million), and confirming the availability of the line of credit for ₹2.38 billion (~$30.1 million) to meet the working capital requirement. The working capital requirement is double if bidders bid for two packages.

In December, SECI invited expressions of interest for supplying 1,800 MW of solar modules, including cells manufactured in India, under the domestic content requirement category.

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