SAIL Tenders 4 MW Rooftop Solar Project for IISCO Steel Plant in Burnpur

In a decisive step toward industrial decarbonization, the Steel Authority of India (SAIL) has officially invited bids for the installation of a 4 MW rooftop solar photovoltaic (RTSPV) system. The project is slated for various buildings and sheds within the sprawling IISCO Steel Plant (ISP) in Burnpur, West Bengal. This initiative underscores SAIL’s ongoing strategy to integrate renewable energy into its heavy manufacturing infrastructure, aiming to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and reliance on conventional power grids.

Financial Summary

The tender reflects a substantial capital commitment to clean energy, with the following financial parameters established for the bidding process:

Technical Specifications and Scope

To ensure peak performance in the industrial environment, SAIL has established rigorous technical benchmarks to maximize yield. Notably, the solar modules represent the largest financial segment of the project, valued at approximately ₹67.03 million—nearly 50% of the total estimated cost.

• Module Type: Only ALMM-approved solar PV modules with a minimum capacity of 600 Wp are permitted, adhering to the latest regulatory standards.
• Efficiency: High-efficiency modules are a prerequisite, with a minimum required efficiency of 23%.
• Project Duration: Contractors must complete the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning within a 12-month window from the effective date of the contract.
• O&M Duration: A 5-year comprehensive operation and maintenance requirement follows commissioning. This maintenance phase, valued at ₹12.6 million, represents an annual operating overhead of approximately ₹2.5 million across 20 quarterly cycles to sustain long-term performance.
• Scope Components: The work comprises 21 separate components, including the installation of on-grid string inverters, galvanized mounting structures, associated civil works, and complete electrical installation.

Bidding Timeline

Prospective bidders should note the following critical milestones, with the August submission deadline serving as the final cut-off for participation:

• Tender Publication: July 4, 2026.
• Online Pre-bid Meeting: July 11, 2026 (via Zoom).
• Pre-bid Query Deadline: July 14, 2026 (5:00 PM).
• Final Bid Submission Deadline: August 1, 2026 (3:00 PM).
• Technical Bid Opening: August 1, 2026 (4:00 PM).
• TENDER PORTAL: https://gem.gov.in/

Selection Methodology and Administrative Rules

The evaluation of bidders will follow a precise two-step sequence to ensure fiscal and technical transparency. Initially, an L1-based (lowest cost) evaluation will be conducted among all techno-commercially qualified bidders. Subsequently, the final competitive price will be determined through an online reverse auction. All submitted bids must remain valid for a period of 180 days.

The tender allows for consortium participation, permitting two or more eligible companies to combine resources. However, SAIL has implemented strict administrative nuances regarding Earnest Money Deposits (EMD). While payment can be made online or via a Bank Guarantee, exemptions are available for government-recognized bidders who provide a signed Bid Securing Declaration. For consortiums, a specific caveat applies: the group is exempted from the EMD requirement only if each and every individual member qualifies for an exemption. If even one member is ineligible, the consortium as a whole must provide the full EMD.

Document Closure

Detailed technical and financial eligibility requirements are contained within the Commercial Volume-I and II documents. Bidders must consult these volumes for comprehensive compliance standards before finalizing their submissions.