The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has issued a tender for 1,200 MW of interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) projects to be developed across the country. The upper tariff ceiling is ₹2.65 (~$0.038)/kWh for this tender.

A single bidder must bid for a minimum of 50 MW and a maximum of 600 MW solar capacity. The projects will be developed in multiple blocks of 20 MW. SECI will enter into a power purchase agreement for a period of 25 years with the successful bidders. This is a global tender and the scope of work includes the design, supply, construction, procurement, installation, testing, and commissioning of the projects. The projects will be developed on build own operate basis.

The bid-submission deadline is February 12, 2019.

The solar power projects are required to be designed for inter-connection with the transmission network of the central transmission utility (CTU) at a voltage level of 132 kV or above.

Any excess generation over and above 10 percent of the declared annual capacity utilization factor (CUF) will be purchased by SECI at a fixed tariff of 75 percent of the PPA tariff, provided SECI finds a buyer for the sale of such excess generation. However, the developer must inform SECI at least 60 days in advance of such excess generation so that it can take necessary actions for the sale of this excess energy.

In February 2018, the Ministry of Power issued an order stating that no interstate transmission charges and losses will be levied on solar and wind power projects commissioned up to March 31, 2022. This has spurred the interest among developers for ISTS-connected solar projects.

Back in January 2018, SECI tendered 2 GW of ISTS-connected solar PV projects. Then in July 2018, SECI tendered 3 GW of ISTS-connected solar PV projects.