NTPC Issues Tender for 1.3 MW Solar Module Supply for Ramagundam Project

NTPC Limited has invited competitive bids for the procurement of 1,300 kWp (1.3 MW) of crystalline silicon terrestrial solar photovoltaic (PV) modules to be deployed at the Ramagundam Super Thermal Power Station in Telangana. Facilitated through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, the procurement is being managed by NTPC’s Western Region-II Head Quarter located in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Interested bidders must submit their proposals by September 4, 2026, at 4:00 PM, with the technical bid opening scheduled for 4:30 PM on the same day.

Key Tender Specifications

The procurement targets high-output modules to support the facility’s transitioning energy profile. While the tender specifies crystalline silicon, industry trends in 2026 suggest a significant shift toward N-Type TOPCon and HJT technologies to meet the 545 Wp threshold with efficiency ratings often exceeding 22–25%.

Tender Access & Bidding Details

• Official Bidding Platform: Bidding is hosted online via the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). Bidders can search for the active procurement using Bid Number: GEM/2026/B/7917791.
• Submission Deadline: Bids must be submitted no later than September 4, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Technical bids are scheduled to open on the same day at 4:30 PM.
• Tender Tracking & Reference Documentation: For active tracking, BOQ downloads, and reference specifications, bidders can also access the Indian Tenders Reference Portal.

Financial and Technical Eligibility Criteria

Prospective bidders are required to satisfy rigorous technical and financial benchmarks to qualify for the contract.

Technical Requirements

Bidders or their designated module manufacturers must demonstrate established supply credentials:

• Cumulative Supply: Documentation of having supplied solar PV modules with a cumulative capacity of at least 1,040 kWp.
• Single Order Milestone: Successful completion of at least one single supply order of 260 kWp or higher.
• Operational History: Reference modules must have been in successful operation for a minimum of six months prior to the bid opening date.

Financial Requirements

• Annual Turnover: An average annual turnover of at least Rs. 189 lakh during the three preceding financial years.
• Earnest Money Deposit (EMD): A deposit of Rs. 20 lakh is required. ICICI Bank has been designated as the advisory bank for this transaction.
• Exemptions: Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) that are original manufacturers of the goods are exempt from EMD requirements; however, this exemption is not extended to traders.
• Performance Security: The successful bidder must provide an electronic Performance Bank Guarantee (ePBG) equivalent to 5% of the contract value, valid for 42 months. ICICI Bank serves as the advisory bank for the ePBG.

Regulatory Compliance and ALMM Integration

Bidders must navigate a complex regulatory landscape that underwent significant updates in early 2026. A critical threshold was reached on June 1, 2026, making the use of solar cells listed under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II mandatory for all commissioned projects. This tender requires strict adherence to the 7th revision of List-II, released in May 2026.

Compliance Checklist for Bidders:

• ALMM List-I Enlistment: All solar PV modules must be listed in ALMM List-I. Bidders are cautioned that enlistment is model-specific, and procurement of non-listed models from an approved brand will lead to non-compliance.
• ALMM List-II (Cell) Mandate: Modules must utilize solar cells listed in ALMM List-II. This is a prerequisite for all projects commissioned after the June 1, 2026 deadline.
• BIS Registration: Bidders must verify a valid Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) registration for all supplied modules, as this is a fundamental requirement for ALMM eligibility.
• DCR Verification: For components requiring Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) status, verification through the official National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) DCR portal is mandatory.

Project Context and Background

The Ramagundam Super Thermal Power Station, located in the Peddapalli district of Telangana, is a primary thermal hub for NTPC. This 1.3 MW procurement is a specific phase of a larger 10 MW solar integration project designed to utilize the existing infrastructure of the thermal station for renewable energy generation.

This initiative reflects NTPC’s broader strategy to diversify its generation portfolio by embedding solar capacity into traditional thermal power hubs. Such projects are instrumental in reducing the carbon intensity of NTPC’s operations and contribute to the national objective of reaching 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

Official Reference Sources

• Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India
  • Official Portal: MNRE Official Website — Access the primary portal of the ministry for administrative notices, policy circulars, and solar capacity statistics.
  • Compliance & Enlistment: Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) — Official guidelines, lists (List-I for Modules and List-II for Cells), amendments, and revisions for solar PV procurement and compliance.
  • National Subsidy Scheme: PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana — The official portal for the national residential solar subsidy programme and DCR requirements.
• NTPC Limited (A Government of India Enterprise)
  • Official Portal: NTPC Limited Corporate Website — Corporate homepage for India’s largest power utility, covering renewable transitions and capacity details.
  • Procurement Services: NTPC Contract and Material Procurement Services — Information regarding corporate procurement guidelines, international competitive bidding standards, and vendor registration.
  • Tenders Portal: NTPC Active Tenders — Official repository for download, updates, and bid submissions regarding active commercial tenders.
• Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
  • Official Procurement Bids: Official tenders and bidding documents, such as Bid Number GEM/2026/B/7917791 (for the Ramagundam 1,300 kWp Crystalline Solar PV Module Procurement) and Bid Number GEM/2026/B/7609544 (for VSTPS FGD Plant Contract), are officially hosted and processed online via the Government e-Marketplace portal.