SECI Invites Bids for 12.25 MW Rooftop Solar Project Across JNV Buildings (Tranche-XI)

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), a “Navratna” Government of India Enterprise, has issued Request for Selection (RfS) No. SECI/C&P/IPP/11/0005/26-27. The tender seeks Solar Power Developers (SPD) to establish 12.25 MW (12,250 kW) of grid-connected rooftop solar PV projects across Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) buildings under Tranche-XI (Phase-II).

This initiative is part of SECI’s role as the facilitating arm of the National Solar Mission and aligns with India’s “Panchamrit” targets, which aim to meet 50% of the nation’s total energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030.

Project Structure and Operating Model

The procurement follows a specific framework designed for institutional solar adoption:

• Operating Model: Projects will be developed under the RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) model.
• Ownership Framework: Execution is set on a BOOT (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer) basis.
• Bidding Parameter: Unlike traditional tenders, the PPA Tariff is Fixed state-wise (e.g., Jharkhand at INR 9.50/kWh, Odisha at INR 5.85/kWh). Bidders shall compete solely on the PPA tenure (in months).
• Asset Transfer: Upon the expiry of the PPA term, the ownership, title, and all rights to the system shall transfer to the Client Organization at no additional cost, free and clear of all encumbrances, charges, or liabilities.

Developer Scope and Responsibilities

The Solar Power Developer (SPD) assumes full responsibility for the project lifecycle and sustained performance:

• Pre-Commissioning: Obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOC) and securing net-metering or grid connectivity approvals from respective DISCOMs. Per project guidelines, if net-metering is delayed, the SPD must install a Reverse Protection Relay (RPR) to commence generation and declare the Commercial Operation Date (COD).
• Execution: Complete design, engineering, supply, storage, civil work, erection, testing, and commissioning.
• Operational Mandates: Comprehensive Operation and Maintenance (O&M) for the entire PPA term. This includes a mandate to provide a toll-free number to resolve O&M issues within 72 hours.
• Technical Reporting: The SPD must maintain a “hindrance register” to record any issues affecting O&M, which must be signed by both parties to the PPA.
• Maintenance: Periodic cleaning of solar modules is required every 15 days, or more frequently as necessitated by site conditions.

Geographic Distribution and Capacity

The 12.25 MW capacity is distributed across 21 States and Union Territories, categorized by their Scheduled Commissioning Dates (SCD). Individual project sizes at each JNV site are capped at 50 kW with a permissible variation of ±5%.

Tender Participation and Key Timelines

Bidders must submit proposals via the ISN-ETS portal. Financial requirements include a non-refundable bid processing fee of INR 6,000 and state-wise Earnest Money Deposits (EMD), such as INR 11.25 Lakh for Jharkhand, submitted via Bank Guarantee, Payment on Order Instrument (POI), or Insurance Surety Bonds.

Successful bidders are also required to pay SECI Service Charges to cover administrative overheads:

• Category A States: INR 1,350/kW + GST.
• Category B States: INR 1,485/kW + GST.

Technical Standards and Compliance

Project guidelines mandate strict adherence to quality and safety protocols to ensure a 25-year service life:

• Module Sourcing: All modules must be sourced from the MNRE’s ALMM List-I and List-II.
• Traceability: Each module must be fitted with an RFID tag containing manufacturer data, wattage, and I-V curves.
• Monitoring: Developers must provide SECI and the Client Organization with 24/7 access to a remote monitoring portal.
• Warranty Requirements:
  • Modules: 10-year material warranty; performance warranty of 90% output at 10 years and 80% at 25 years.
  • Inverters/PCU & Civil Works: Minimum 5-year warranty for equipment and overall workmanship.