The Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA) has invited bids for the installation and commissioning of 20 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar systems on government buildings, state-run industrial units, and educational institutions in the state.

The projects will be developed under the capital expenditure model.

The successful bidder will have to undertake the project’s operation and maintenance (O&M) for five years.

The last date to submit the bids is February 15, 2023. Bids will be opened on the same day.

The estimated cost of the project is ₹1.2 billion (~$14.49 million).

Bidders will have to furnish ₹25,000 (~$301.9) plus 18% GST as a bid processing fee. They must also deposit ₹10 million (~$120,798) as a bid security amount.

The successful bidder must furnish an amount equivalent to 10% of the contract value as a performance security.

Bidders should have experience in executing the installation and maintenance of grid-connected solar systems (10 kW and above), solar pumps, and hybrid power projects having a cumulative capacity of 2 MW spread across India during the last three years.

The net worth of bidders should be positive for each of the last three financial years. Also, the minimum average annual turnover in the last three financial years should not be less than ₹20 million (~$241,588).

Further, bidders should demonstrate that they have access to liquid assets, lines of credit, and other financial means to meet the construction cash flow requirements estimated at ₹10 million (~$120,798) for the contract, including all other commitments of the bidder, both current and future.

The grid-connected rooftop solar systems will be connected to the local utility under the net metering agreement wherein the excess energy generated and not consumed by the beneficiary will be credited by the utility in the monthly billing.

TEDA has stated that the solar modules to be used for the project should be procured from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

The solar modules should carry a performance warranty for more than 90% of claimed efficiency during the first ten years, and more than 80% during the next 15 years.

Further, the modules should have a performance warranty for more than 97% of the claimed efficiency during the first year of installation. Degradation of modules should not be more than 0.7% per annum. Also, the efficiency of modules should be greater than or equal to 20%.

Additionally, the modules should be rated at 535 Wp and above under standard testing conditions.

If the developer fails to commission the project on time, liquidated damages on a per-day basis — calculated for the performance security on a five-month period –would be levied, subject to a maximum of 10% of the contract price. After nine months of delay, the project will get canceled and the total PBG amount would be forfeited.

In April last year, TEDA issued a notice inviting tender for a rate contract for installing 10 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar systems atop various government buildings in Tamil Nadu.

Earlier, TEDA had issued a notice inviting tender to empanel vendors to install 12 MW of grid-connected residential rooftop solar systems in Tamil Nadu.

Subscribe to Mercom’s India Solar Tender Tracker to stay on top of tender activity in real time.