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Himachal Regulator Allows DISCOM to Procure 550 MW Solar Power from SECI

Agri-Solar Solutions Provider GK Energy Files Papers for ₹5.01 Billion IPO

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					</table>Indian Oil Corporation (<a href="https://iocl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IOCL</a>) has invited expressions of interest to empanel vendors/contractors for solar power projects at its locations and retail outlets.
The last date for submission of applications is May 8, 2024.
The scope of the work includes design, engineering, testing, supply, packing, forwarding, transportation, unloading, storage, installation, and commissioning of a solar project/system in lump sum turnkey (LSTK) mode. This offers a complete solution for the solar project and comprehensive operation and maintenance (O&amp;M) services.
The O&amp;M of the project will be for an initial two-year period, with the possibility of extending it for an additional three years contingent upon satisfactory performance.
IOCL&#8217;s objective is to harness rooftops and available land across diverse locations in India to install solar photovoltaic projects, maximizing the generation and utilization of renewable energy.
Selecting vendors will occur in two categories: one encompassing both &#8220;critical and non-critical jobs&#8221; and the other exclusively for &#8220;non-critical jobs.&#8221;
Applicants must submit ₹10,000 (~$119.69) for Category I and ₹20,000 (~$239.39) for Category II as processing fee.
Vendors who do not meet the standard eligibility criteria for annual turnover and prior experience will be placed in the &#8220;critical and non-critical jobs&#8221; category, which will further be divided into two sub-categories: Category-I, organized by geographical regions (North/South/East/West), for capacities ranging from 1-50 kWp, and Category-II, spanning capacities above 50-500 kWp nationwide.
The applicant should have installed and commissioned a specific cumulative capacity of solar projects in India over the past three years, ending on the last day of the month immediately preceding the month in which the bid submission deadline falls.
The minimum cumulative capacity requirements for the respective categories, &#8220;Critical &amp; Non-Critical Jobs Both I&#8221; and &#8220;II,&#8221; are 150 kW and 1,500 kW, respectively.
Vendors and LSTK contractors enlisted under Category I will also be able to engage in the solarization of retail outlets, including petrol pumps and Kisan Seva Kendras, within their respective regions.
Start-ups and micro and small enterprises benefiting from relaxation in annual turnover and prior experience criteria, provided they meet the stipulated quality and technical standards, will be empanelled solely under the non-critical jobs only category.
This category will also have two sub-categories, mirroring the capacity ranges and regional divisions mentioned earlier.
Various locations will then initiate the bidding process, inviting participation from the empanelled vendors/LSTK contractors to install solar projects.
Vendors/LSTK contractors will be empanelled for 24 months from the empanelment date.
Existing empanelled parties who do not participate in the new empanelment process will maintain their current validity until expiration, after which they will be removed from the list of empanelled parties.
Vendors/LSTK contractors currently empanelled with IOCL for solar projects at Indian Oil locations and retail outlets, seeking extension beyond their existing validity, must follow the procedures outlined in the EoI document.
Empanelled vendors who do not participate in limited tenders issued by Indian Oil may be removed from the empanelled list.
Recently, IOCL <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/indian-oil-epc-tender-solar-andhra" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids for an EPC contract for a 1 MW solar power project at Southern Region Pipelines in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh.
It <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/indian-oil-tenders-solar-project-in-karnataka" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids for O&amp;M of an existing 1.1 MW solar power project at Indane Bottling Plant, Devanagonthi village in Bengaluru Rural district in Karnataka.
Subscribe to Mercom&#8217;s <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/india-solar-tender-tracker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India Solar Tender Tracker</a> to stay on top of the real-time tender activity.

Indian Oil Issues Empanelment Tender for Solar Power Projects

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					</table>The Indian government is working to accelerate rooftop solar installations in the country through various programs with a focus on the residential segment.
In an exclusive interview with Mercom India, Shreya Mishra, Co-Founder of <a href="https://www.solarsquare.in/homes?utm_term=solar%20square&amp;utm_campaign=DR_Search_Brand_AllCities_Jan13&amp;utm_source=adwords&amp;utm_medium=ppc&amp;hsa_acc=1384667780&amp;hsa_cam=19566406052&amp;hsa_grp=152005427984&amp;hsa_ad=644801250633&amp;hsa_src=g&amp;hsa_tgt=kwd-501167643512&amp;hsa_kw=solar%20square&amp;hsa_mt=p&amp;hsa_net=adwords&amp;hsa_ver=3&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw-r-vBhC-ARIsAGgUO2DJWIl7e12BDavpBbSWkhZlbKmuYa2PmsxKOj7R78B3BOh2fOyyzckaArnCEALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SolarSquare</a>, a residential rooftop solar solutions firm, explains how the recent programs will help drive the installations in the country and what policy modifications in certain states could help for wider adoption of rooftop solar.
Mishra elaborates on the installation process and the factors customers should consider when installing a rooftop solar system.
Here are the excerpts from the interview:
How do you see the residential segment faring in the upcoming years, considering the new solar programs proposed by the government?
India&#8217;s residential solar market is seeing a watershed moment, with consumer awareness being turbo-charged by the recent push from Prime Minister Modi. In the last five years, only about 600,000 homes had adopted solar in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy&#8217;s (MNRE) Phase II subsidy program, with ~130,000-150,000 homes going solar in 2023. With the new target of solarizing 10 million homes in the next three years, it&#8217;s a historic inflection point in our industry.
We are also seeing real groundwork in terms of easing solar permits, increased subsidies, and availability of low-interest rate loans for solar.
With Gujarat and Kerala (states contributing most to the current installed capacity) achieving their set rooftop solar targets under the state tenders and programs, which other states do you see following suit?
In the last five years, only states with high government intent to promote solar and easier approvals have seen an industry boom and consumer adoption. With the national push from the PMO, we expect every state to see solar adoption grow. Like any product adoption, states with higher GDP per capita and more populations see bigger market sizes. Solar should be no different if government policy and solar approvals translate to a level playing field across India. After Gujarat and Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh are currently among the top five states considering residential solar applications on the national solar portal.
How effective do you think the new subsidies and the PM Surya Ghar program will be in accelerating residential rooftop solar installations? What more can the government do to streamline and achieve the target of 40 GW by March 2026?
I believe PM Surya Ghar Yojana is an example of real governance excellence. There is alignment between the center and states, and there is IT infrastructure to enable smooth execution on the ground via the national solar portal. Subsidies are also supported, and they are smoothly transferred to customer accounts. Now, we are expecting 7% interest rate loans to be available for customers up to 3 kW from nationalized banks. Overall, the entire government machinery has worked towards laying the foundation for India&#8217;s target of 10 million homes adopting solar.
To further bolster this program, the most important enabler now will be further easing solar approvals in every state. Currently, in many states, there is still scope for improvement in the approval process. It can take up to 60 days for a consumer to get all approvals and have the solar system up and running. The best approval process is in Gujarat, where the whole process can be completed in just 15-25 days. To make India&#8217;s #HarGharSolar dream a reality, solar approvals for homes and residential welfare associations should be 100% online, paperless, and fast-tracked. This will be very important if we want grassroots adoption of solar in every district and city.
Could you share with us a brief step-by-step process a residential consumer needs to follow to set up a rooftop solar system on their homes? What are the various financing options/models available to the consumers?
Step 1 &#8211; A customer&#8217;s solar journey starts with a free solar consultation with SolarSquare. In this meeting, our solar consultants will survey the customer&#8217;s roof and study his electricity requirements to suggest the right solar system size and technology for his home.
Step 2 &#8211; We generate a commercial quotation with a 3D design for his rooftop solar. If the customer requires financing, our sales app is integrated with multiple lenders on the backend, and our solar consultants instantly check the customer&#8217;s EMI eligibility by entering his PAN Card number in our sales app.
Step 3 &#8211; We apply for solar net-metering for the client on the national solar portal. If a customer requires a sanctioned load increase for solar, we also take care of that.
Step 4 &#8211; Once a customer&#8217;s net-meter approval is received, we will be ready to install it. We send the final detailed design to the client for approval and schedule his installation.
Step 5 &#8211; We deliver and install on the same day. Our ready-to-install prefabricated WindPro MountsTM and trained crew enable us to complete the end-to-end installation in just six hours.
Step 6 &#8211; We have to get the customer&#8217;s net meter tested via DISCOM&#8217;s testing lab—post which it is installed on the customer&#8217;s home. For final inspection, a DISCOM official visits the client&#8217;s site &#8211; and during this visit, we can &#8220;Switch on&#8221; or commission the client&#8217;s solar system.
Step 7 &#8211; Once commissioning is completed, we upload the client&#8217;s &#8220;Work completion report&#8221; along with his bank details to the national portal. Within 30 days of this step, the client will receive his subsidy from MNRE.
Step 8 &#8211; Post installation, we maintain the client&#8217;s solar system for the next five years via regular maintenance visits. Our trained technicians take care of the entire system health check, including deep cleaning of panels to ensure top performance at all times.
What are the key factors they must keep in mind while choosing the vendors?
One of the most important criteria for choosing a vendor is the number of years of experience it has in this space. Customers must make sure that they select a vendor that has executed a significant number of installations in their area and has earned positive reviews from existing customers.
A rooftop solar power system requires the vendor to follow sound design practices and have proper engineering expertise to ensure safety and maximum power generation. Customers must ensure their selected vendor has the required expertise in design, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering.
Before granting a contract to a vendor, consumers must confirm that the installer can provide after-sales service during the plant&#8217;s lifetime. &#8220;Side business&#8221; vendors lack the intent and expertise to provide after-sales support; therefore, clients should avoid them. Customers should select an installer that has both the focus and the resources to stay in this business for an extended period. Customers should choose an installer who ensures procurement of high-quality solar panels from the factory, ensures no quality concerns arise during transit, and performs installation and maintenance in accordance with industry standards. Besides solar modules, the module mounting structure plays a crucial role in ensuring the long life of the rooftop solar system.
Customers must make sure to hire an installer who provides high-quality elevated structures.
What are the pricing models offered in the market based on weather conditions and daylight availability?
Residential solar is sold using the capex model. This means the customer needs to invest upfront in the rooftop solar system. So, irrespective of which city you are in, the cost of solar will be similar, barring some variations due to government permit fees, etc., which can vary from state to state.
However, given that India has 300+ sunny days, the performance of solar is good everywhere in the country from Ladakh to Kanyakumari. Moreover, easy loans are available for customers who opt for solar energy. At SolarSquare, we offer our customers a zero-investment program. By opting for a 60-month EMI scheme &#8211; where the client&#8217;s downpayment is covered by the subsidy from the government of India and his monthly EMI is covered by his electricity bill savings &#8211; the net client has zero investment from his pocket and can enjoy 25 years of free electricity.
How does after-sales service play a role in residential rooftop solar systems?
After-sales service plays a significant role in ensuring the optimum power generation from a rooftop solar system. In India, roofs are subject to a lot of dust and a variety of external weather conditions. Because of the dusty external environment and bird droppings, it is important to ensure regular on-site maintenance of rooftop solar systems. Power generation can drop by 30-40% for an unmaintained system. Moreover, without proper after-sales service, the life of the system can decrease significantly, in some cases by more than 60%. That means a rooftop solar system with a life expectancy of 25 years would work for just 6-8 years if not maintained properly. Even solar panel warranties provided by OEMs are void in the absence of proper maintenance.
When considering rooftop solar systems as an investment, you can expect an internal rate of return (IRR) of 20–25% if the system performs as expected because maintenance allows you to realize that 20–25% IRR, which is crucial.
What are some of the challenges you are having to overcome to grow in this market?
When we started operating in the residential market, the first challenge that we came across was a lack of customer awareness. Households did not know about the advantages of solar energy, and customers lacked basic knowledge. A lot of people mistook solar systems on rooftops for water heaters. They were unaware that solar energy might be used to power a home. There were many myths and misunderstandings that needed to be dispelled.
We created a lot of educational content in the form of short-form videos and blogs and worked with various influencers to create the right consumer awareness. Whenever a customer reaches out to SolarSquare, we help the homeowner understand the right kind of solar system they need. We focus on educating the customer rather than selling him anything.
We also found that mis-selling was common. Residential solar installation is a fragmented and unorganized sector with many local operators and dealers running it as a side business. People were sold used or rejected panels since they didn&#8217;t know how to authenticate the warranty or quality of the products. Furthermore, many solar power installations were sold without after-sales support.
If you are purchasing solar, it is critical to get the appropriate after-sales service since, without it, your investment will be lost. We needed to educate people about these issues. The over-commitments and fake promises made by the local operators in terms of expected power generation regularly erode the customer&#8217;s trust and confidence in the product category.

Indian Rooftop Solar Sector at an Inflection Point: Interview

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					</table>Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (<a href="https://oredaodisha.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OREDA</a>) has invited bids for the selection of vendors for the design, manufacture, supply, transport, installation, testing, and commissioning of off-grid solar photovoltaic water pumping systems of 1 HP -7.5 HP capacities.
The last date for the submission of bids is October 12, 2023. Bids will be opened on the next day.
The winning bidder will also have to look after the complete system warranty and its repair and maintenance for five years under component B of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) program.
Additionally, vendors are required to provide a Remote Monitoring System (RMS) for all solar pumps installed under the program.
Bidders have to submit a bid processing fee of ₹12,390 (~$148.74) including GST.
They must also furnish an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) in the form of a bank guarantee for ₹1,500,000 (~$18,001). The bank guarantee should be valid for 27 months from the last date of bid submission.
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are not required to submit a bid processing fee or an EMD.
The selected bidders must provide a performance guarantee valued at 10% of the total allocated amount.
The use of domestically produced solar panels containing native solar cells and modules will be obligatory. Additionally, the motor pump set, controller, and all other system components must also be locally manufactured.
To guarantee the prompt maintenance of solar pumps, in addition to training a local individual and providing essential spare parts and tools in every district, the vendor must establish an accredited service center in each operational district and establish a helpline in the local language (Odia).
The helpline number should be prominently displayed on the pump/controller for easy visibility and accessibility to users.
MNRE, OREDA, or designated agencies can inspect systems during installation or operation. Non-compliance with standards, poor maintenance, or guideline violations may result in a three-year vendor blacklist or contract performance guarantee encashment.
The selected vendor is responsible for maintaining a minimum operational rate of 95% for all installed solar pumps at any given time. The RMS should be integrated with the solar pump controllers.
Additionally, the selected vendor must obtain monthly consent from beneficiaries, which will be forwarded to OREDA. Upon receiving this notice to proceed, the selected vendor must complete the installation and commissioning of allocated solar pumps within 120 days.
The tender prioritizes the promotion of commercially proven and operational technologies to minimize technological risks and ensure timely project commissioning.
Bidders must either be manufacturers of solar module, solar pump, or solar pump controller using indigenous technology.
Alternatively, they can be Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) entities with experience in similar works in collaboration with a solar module manufacturer, solar pump manufacturer, or manufacturer of solar pump controller using indigenous technology.
Similar works refers to the design, supply, erection, testing, and commissioning of standalone (off-grid) solar PV-based water pump sets or rooftop solar systems in the state.
Bidders should also demonstrate experience with a minimum of 400 solar pumps of various capacities over the past seven years from the bid submission date, or they should have experience in executing a 2 MW rooftop solar system in the state through a joint venture with a module manufacturer.
Alternatively, they should have experience supplying modules for solar pumping projects over the last seven years.
Bidders should have achieved an annual turnover of at least ₹70 million (~$840,201) in the last three years. They must demonstrate profitability in at least two of the last four years.
The net worth of the bidders should be equal to or greater than the paid-up capital in the last financial year, which is 2022-23.
Recently, OREDA <a href="https://mercomindia.com/odisha-bids-supply-of-300-evs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to provide electric vehicle fleet services for 300 vehicles on an own, operate, and maintain basis.
Subscribe to Mercom’s <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/india-solar-project-tracker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India Solar Tender Tracker</a> to stay on top of real-time tender activity.

Odisha Seeks Vendors for Solar Pumps under KUSUM Program

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					</table>The Solar Energy Corporation of India (<a href="https://www.seci.co.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SECI</a>) has issued the list of state-wise empaneled vendors for the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of up to 5 MW of rooftop and ground-mounted solar power projects.
The projects will be developed under two categories:
<ul>
<li>Category A: For the residential sector on behalf of the state implementing agencies.</li>
<li>Category B: For government organizations under capital expenditure (CAPEX) and renewable energy service company (RESCO) models.</li>
</ul>
SECI has empaneled a total of 23 rooftop solar installers under Category A. Under Category B – CAPEX model, 27 installers for the CAPEX model and 16 for the RESCO model have been enlisted. The rooftop solar installers were empaneled state-wise.
SECI had <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/seci-empanelment-5-mw-solar-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">floated</a> the tender in March this year.
The empaneled vendors must also oversee the comprehensive operation and maintenance of the projects for five years.
Category A 
 The empaneled vendors for Category A are: Ganesh Electricals with Trom Industries, Gensol Engineering, Ghanpriya Energy Solutions, GK Energy Marketers, Pegasus Power and Infra, Solarium Green Energy, SPRM Energy Infrastructure, Goldi Solar, MITCON Consultancy and Engineering Services, SUGS Lloyd, Moopens Energy Solutions, Shri Badrinath Vaikalpik Urja, Prudential Green Energy, ECE India Energies, GosolarPower Systems, Solarium Green Energy, Xpanz Energy Solutions, Gupta Industrial Maintenance Services, Oneindig Technologies, Ranjan Industries, KLK Ventures, Greenroof Solar, and HFM Solar Power.
Under Category A, the second stage bidding process will be carried out by the state implementing agency, which will approve and sanction projects.
Category B 
The empaneled vendors for Category B under the CAPEX Model are: Enerture Technologies, Ganesh Electricals, Gensol Engineering, GK Energy Marketers, HFM Solar Power, Pegasus Power and Infra, Prudential Green Energy, Sunpower Solutions, Solarium Green Energy, SPRM Energy Infrastructure, Trilig Energy, Kalpa Power, Manikaran Renewables, MITOCON Consultancy and Engineering Services, Start Solar, Subhash Infraengineers, Moopens Energy Solutions, Shri Badrinath Vaikalpik Urja, Xpanz Energy Solutions, ECE India Energies, Gosolar Power Systems, Somaya Solar Solutions, Gupta Industrial Maintenance Services, Oneindig Technologies, Diwakar Renewable and Infra, Goldi Solar, and Oakridge Energy.
The empaneled vendors for Category B under the RESCO model are: Ganesh Electricals, Gensol Engineering, GK Energy Marketers, HFM Solar Power, Prudential Green Energy, Sunpower Solutions, SPRM Energy Infrastructure, Trilig Energy, Oriana Power, Moopens Energy Solutions, Subhash Infraengineers, Diwakar Renewable and Infra, Oakridge Energy, Oneindig Technologies, Oriana Power, and Somaya Solar Solutions.
The first stage of the bidding process for Category B will involve issuing a limited tender to empaneled vendors. The bids submitted will be scrutinized to evaluate the techno-commercial eligibility of the bidders. They will then be evaluated based on the tariff quoted by the bidder in the electronic form of the financial bid.
In June this year, SECI had <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/seci-empanels-six-installers-50-mw-rooftop-systems" target="_blank" rel="noopener">released</a> the list of empaneled engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors for 50 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar systems on government buildings across various states under the RESCO model. SECI allotted 16.48 MW out of the total capacity of 50 MW.
According to Mercom’s <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/india-solar-project-tracker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India Solar Tender Tracker</a>, SECI has so far floated tenders for 1.3 GW of rooftop solar projects.

SECI Releases List of Empaneled Vendors for 5 MW of Rooftop Solar Projects

The Renewable Energy Association of Rajasthan (<a href="https://www.rear.org.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">REAR</a>) has written to the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation (<a href="https://energy.rajasthan.gov.in/content/raj/energy-department/rrecl/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RREC</a>), requesting a deadline extension for rooftop solar projects to allow the stakeholders to cope with the Covid-19-related constraints. Developers have also sought support from the nodal agency to complete the ‘Rooftop Solar Power Generation Program 2019-20.’
In the letter, REAR has stated that a considerable spike in virus cases was registered in the state due to the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, solar engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) service providers and developers are witnessing a scarcity of material, labor, and funds, forcing them to put projects on hold.
The REAR, in its letter, has provided a list of requirements before the RREC, which they feel is needed for the successful completion of the program.
Three-month extension
The REAR has stated that owing to the high number of Covid-19 infections, the strict lockdown imposed by the Rajasthan government until May 24, 2021, could be further extended. They have argued that the curbs would leave the empaneled vendors under the ‘Rooftop Subsidy Scheme’ with no other option but to wait for the situation to improve before they resume work. REAR also highlighted that the project developers are neither able to procure the raw material nor have access to labor.
The projects that fall under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Phase-II mandates modules under the domestic content requirement (DCR) category. Due to scarcity of raw material and supply-chain disruption, an abnormal price hike is on the cards for all necessary raw material and equipment such as DCR modules, inverters, structures, etc.
Citing that the situation is common across the country, the REAR wrote to the MNRE, requesting an extension in the scheduled commissioning date.
The REAR also <a href="https://mercomindia.com/covid-19-how-the-solar-industry-is-handling-the-second-wave/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a> to the MNRE, claiming that the developers and EPC service providers face a scarcity of components apart from labor and funds shortage, and requested the Ministry to grant them an extended window of three months to help them complete their projects.
Earlier this month, the MNRE, in its latest notification, <a href="https://mercomindia.com/mnre-commissioning-date-extension-renewable-projects/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stated</a> that the renewable energy projects having their commissioning dates on or after April 1, 2021, can claim extension owing to the second surge of the Covid-19 pandemic. The extension was directed towards large-scale projects.
Waiver from pre-dispatch inspection of modules
Amid the lockdown last year REAR had <a href="https://mercomindia.com/renewable-association-mnre-inspect-solar-modules/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">requested</a> MNRE to allow online pre-dispatch inspections (PDI) of the DCR certified solar modules considering the safety of all vendors.
According to REAR, vendors have been performing PDI of the maximum capacity and left with minor capacities, and in most cases, it is the additional allocated capacity for PDI.
Since the vendors are procuring the modules from the same manufacturer where the PDI has already been conducted at least once, the REAR has requested a waiver from PDI considering the force majeure and exceptional circumstances.
A similar PDI waiver, including a PDI waiver for additional purchase from the same manufacturer, was implemented under previous programs, REAR said. Since most manufacturers are included in the Approved List of Module Manufacturers (ALMM), a PDI waiver can be introduced, as the MNRE performs sufficient due diligence and inspections before enlisting manufacturers under ALMM.
According to REAR, the module rates have been hiked due to the supply-demand gap, adding more financial burden on vendors. Despite these issues, vendors are eager to complete their projects but expect support from the nodal agency.
An alternate method for project inspection
Physical inspection of many projects is pending due to various restrictions by the government amid the pandemic. Lack of manpower at RREC and the unwillingness of beneficiaries to entertain anyone at their premises due to a surge in the virus cases have added to the existing hurdles. The REAR further noted that the inspector and vendor could be at risk if they need to inspect an installation where there are Covid-19-positive cases since it is a residential rooftop solar program.
REAR has, therefore, requested the nodal agency to devise an alternate method to conduct project inspection such as a video inspection using timestamps, among other alternatives.
Earlier, REAR had also <a href="https://mercomindia.com/rajasthan-rooftop-solar-installers-write/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">complained</a> that the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation had stopped accepting and approving detailed project reports (DPRs) for rooftop solar projects after December 10, 2020, without notice. REAR said that installers had been receiving inquiries from beneficiaries under the state subsidy program following news reports, but the RREC’s decision to stop accepting DPRs had left them in a difficult position.

Inflating Prices, Policy Bottlenecks Stall Rooftop Solar Progress Amid COVID Outbreak

The Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (<a href="http://teda.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TEDA</a>) has issued a tender to empanel vendors for 5 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar projects for domestic customers in the state. The projects come under the second phase of the grid-connected rooftop solar program of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
The scope of work included the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the projects along with five years of comprehensive maintenance services. The tender noted that bidders were only allowed to use domestically manufactured solar cells and modules for the projects.
Interested bidders are expected to submit an earnest money deposit (EMD) of ₹500,000 (~$6,805). The last date for the submission of bids is October 9, 2020. Successful bidders are expected to pay a non-refundable empanelment fee of ₹50,000 (~$680) with goods and services taxes (GST).
To be eligible to take part in the competitive bidding process, applicants must have experience installing at least 250 kW of cumulative grid-connected solar systems across the country in the last three financial years. Bidders are also expected to have had a minimum annual turnover of at least ₹7.5 million (~$102,075) in the last three financial years.
The tender noted that <a href="https://mercomindia.com/mnre-residential-solar-rooftop-subsidy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">subsidies</a> under the MNRE rooftop program for the projects would be disbursed upon receipt of the project completion report as per the Ministry’s format. The report will be inspected by the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Company (TANGEDCO) and TEDA officials in the presence of the beneficiary.
Under the program, projects up to 3 kW will receive a 40% subsidy in terms of benchmark cost or the cost arrived at through the tender, whichever is lower. Projects between 3 kW and 10 kW will receive a 40% subsidy for the first 3 kW and 20% for the remainder. Similarly, for systems above 10 kW, a subsidy of 40% for the first 3 kW and 20% for the next 7 kW would apply. No subsidy beyond 10 kW capacity will be provided, the tender added. Group housing societies and residential welfare associations for common facilities up to 500 kW will receive a 20% subsidy under the program.
Previously, Mercom India Research’s <a href="https://mercomindia.com/covid-19-disrupts-india-solar-installations-q1-2020/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Q1 2020 India Solar Market Update</a> showed that Tamil Nadu ranked fifth in the list of top states in the country for rooftop solar. The report <a href="https://mercomindia.com/top-states-rooftop-solar-installations-infographics/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">said</a> that half of the state’s installed power capacity came from renewable sources. The share of solar is 12%. In early 2019, the state announced its Solar Energy Policy 2019, targeting 9 GW of solar installations by 2023 between utility-scale and distributed generation projects.
In March, the Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency <a href="https://mercomindia.com/tamil-nadu-issues-tender-renewables-energy-appliances/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">invited</a> bids to empanel vendors for renewable energy projects and energy-efficient appliances in the state.

Tamil Nadu to Empanel Vendors for 5 MW of Residential Rooftop Solar Projects

<a href="https://www.ntpc.co.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NTPC Limited</a> has issued a tender to enlist engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) vendors for floating and ground-mounted solar projects in the country.
The scope of work includes the design, engineering, manufacturing, supply, transportation, installation, and commissioning of the grid-connected projects on a turnkey basis. The successful bidder must also provide comprehensive operations and maintenance services for the projects for three years. The vendors would also carry out the topographical survey and geotechnical investigation of the land and bathymetry survey of the water body.
NTPC did not specify an earnest money deposit (EMD) for the tender. The projects must use open category photovoltaic modules and cells. Projects will be 50 MW of higher in capacity. The last date for the submission of bids is September 16, 2020.
To be eligible to take part in the competitive bidding process, applicants must have developed projects or executed similar work with a cumulative capacity of 40 MW or more. Of these, at least one project must have been over 10 MW in capacity and must have been operating successfully for at least six months before the last date for submitting applications.
Alternatively, applicants can have experience executing industrial projects either as a developer or EPC contractor in the areas of power, steel, oil and gas, petrochemical, fertilizer, cement, coal mining, or any other process industry. They must have completed at least one project worth ₹2 billion (~$27.4 million) or more in any of these fields, and it must have been in successful operation for at least a year before the application’s submission deadline.
Bidders are also expected to have an average annual turnover, not less than ₹2 billion (~$27.4 million) in the last three financial years. They must also have a net worth not less than 100% of its paid-up share capital as on the previous day of the last financial year.
Recently, NTPC <a href="https://mercomindia.com/ntpc-floats-epc-tender-solar-rajasthan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">invited</a> bids from engineering, procurement, and construction contractors with land for the development of up to 1,070 MW of solar projects in Rajasthan.
In July, NTPC <a href="https://mercomindia.com/ntpc-floats-tender-to-acquire-1-gw/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">floated</a> a request for proposal to acquire 1 GW of operational solar projects across India. Promoters, lenders, authorized financial intermediaries of power generation companies, independent power producers, and developers can participate in this tender.
The government-owned entity recently said it <a href="https://mercomindia.com/ntpc-plans-to-raise-%e2%82%b9150-billion-in-bonds/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plans</a> to get its shareholders’ approval to authorize the company’s board of directors to raise about ₹150 billion (~$2.05 billion) through the issue of bonds during its next annual general meeting.
Image credit: Jakson

NTPC to Enlist EPC Vendors for Floating and Ground-Mounted Solar Projects

The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (<a href="http://www.nhpcindia.com/home.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NHPC</a>) has issued documents for enlisting engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) vendors for floating and ground-mounted solar projects starting from 10 MW in size.
The scope of work for both categories of projects includes the design, manufacturing, supply, loading, transportation, unloading, storage, installation, erection, testing, and commissioning of the grid-connected floating or ground-mounted solar projects on a turnkey basis.
Successful bidders must also provide operation and maintenance services for the projects, including the transmission system for three years.
The last date for submission of enlistment applications for projects above 50 MW is February 19, 2020. For projects between 10-50 MW, the last date is February 17, 2020.
For projects ranging between 10-50 MW in capacity, bidders must have undertaken and commissioned similar projects with a cumulative installed capacity of 8 MW or higher of which at least one must be 2 MW to be eligible. Additionally, the 2 MW reference projects should have been in successful operations for at least six months. Applicants are also expected to have had a minimum average annual turnover, not less than ₹400 million (~$5.6 million) in the last three financial years.
For projects that are above 50 MW, bidding eligibility criteria state that the applicants must have taken up and commissioned similar projects of at least 40 MW in cumulative capacity, with one project being larger than 10 MW. The reference 10 MW must have been operational for at least six months.
Separately, applicants must also have had a minimum average annual turnover, not less than ₹2 billion (~$28.02 million) in the last three financial years.
Recently, Mercom <a href="https://mercomindia.com/nhpc-deadline-solar-tender-tariff-cap/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reported</a> that the NHPC extended the bid submission deadline of its tender for 2 GW of solar projects. It also raised the minimum tariff payable to the project to ₹2.78 (~$0.04)/kWh from ₹2.65 ($0.037)/kWh.
Earlier, <a href="https://mercomindia.com/nhpc-epc-contractors-solar-odisha/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NHPC issued</a> an engineering procurement and construction (EPC) contract for developing 40 MW of grid-connected solar power project at Ladeihil village in Ganjam district of Odisha. The NHPC had signed a memorandum of understanding back in 2015 with the Solar Energy Corporation of India to set up 250 MW of solar projects in the country. NHPC has also committed to the Ministry of New &amp; Renewable Energy to set up a minimum of <a href="http://nhpcindia.com/NewWebsite/Default.aspx?id=349&amp;lg=eng&amp;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">430 MW</a> of renewable energy projects in the next five years as part of the <a href="http://nhpcindia.com/writereaddata/Images/pdf/Certificate-REnC.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Green Energy Commitment.</a>
Image credit: SPG Solar [CC BY-SA <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1c/Floating_PV_system_Far_Niente_Winery_California_2018.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">3.0</a>)]

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