The state-run Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL) has invited bids for the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of a 1 MW grid-connected solar power project with net metering on the land provided by the company.

SPMCIL is engaged in producing currency and banknotes, non-judicial stamp papers, postal stamps, passports, and visas, among a host of other government papers under a highly secure state-of-the-art production facility.

The contract will include the evacuation of power generated to the 33/11 kV substation and the provision of transformers, cables, and other facilities with a comprehensive warranty of five years.

The last date to submit the bids is April 23, 2021. Bids will be opened on the same day.

Bidders will not have to submit any earnest money deposit to take part in the bidding process. The estimated cost of the project is ₹45 million (~$619,735).

Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) quoting within a price band of the lowest bid (L1) + 15% will be allowed to supply up to 25% of the requirement. Out of the 25%, 3% has been earmarked for women-owned MSEs, and 4% for SC/ST-owned MSE firms.

The predicted electrical degradation of power generated should not exceed 20% of the minimum rated power over 25 years and not more than 10% after ten years for the full-rated original output.

The selected bidders will have to furnish a security deposit for an amount of 3% of the total value of the contract and valid up to 60 days beyond the date of completion of all contractual obligations.

Bidders should have an annual capacity to manufacture and supply at least one solar power project of 1 MW capacity and submit proof for past orders for a similar project setup.

The bidders’ average annual turnover during the last three financial years should be more than ₹12.5 million (~$172,149They should not have suffered any financial loss for more than one year during the last three financial years. Their net worth should not have eroded by more than 30% in the last three financial years.

The solar modules to be used for the projects must be of the passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) technology. The modules must qualify for the latest International  Electrotechnical Commission solar module qualification test or equivalent Bureau of Indian Standards standards for crystalline silicon solar cell modules. The rated output power of any supplied modules should have positive tolerance in the range of 5 W.

Mercom’s India Solar Tender Tracker provides subscribers real-time and periodic updates on all solar tenders issued by private and government agencies.

Mercom’s premium event Mercom India Solar Summit, to be held virtually on April 8 and 9, has an exclusive session on ‘Tenders and Auctions-From Pipeline to PPAs, How We Get There.’ You can click here to register for the event.