The Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA) has floated a tender inviting expression of interest for the empanelment of EPC contractors to develop off-grid and decentralized solar projects.

The scope of work under this tender includes the design, manufacture, supply, testing, and commissioning of off-grid solar projects with battery banks. The scope also includes warranty and maintenance for five years at various locations in Uttarakhand.

The projects allotted under this tender will range between 1 kW to 25 kW and installed on various sites such as flat roofs, inclined rooftops, open flatlands, and open hilly land. Some projects are also expected to be developed in remote areas of the state.

Bidders would have to bring in an earnest money deposit of ₹1 million ($13,925) to participate in this tender.

As per the technical eligibility criteria of this tender, bidders would have to show an experience of executing 300 kW to 500 kW capacity (with battery banks) of off-grid solar power projects in the last two years.

Selected agencies will be allowed a timeline of six months for the execution of these projects from the date of receiving the work order.

The bid submission deadline for the tender is October 4, 2019.

According to the tender documents, in Uttarakhand, under the off-grid solar power plant scheme UREDA has installed a cumulative capacity of 2,426.5 kW solar power plants at various buildings.

Recently, the Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission (UERC) issued benchmark tariffs and capital costs for solar power projects in the state. For rooftop solar projects up to 10 kW, the cost approved is ₹43,282 ($623)/kW and the gross tariff is ₹50 ($0.079)/kWh without subsidy or accelerated depreciation.

Image credit: GIPL Solar

Shaurya is a staff reporter at MercomIndia.com with experience working in the Indian solar energy industry for the past four years in various roles. Prior to joining Mercom, Shaurya worked with a renewable energy developer and a consulting company. Shaurya holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from Lancaster University in the United Kingdom.