The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), a Navratna Government of India Enterprise, has issued a Request for Selection (RfS) for 4.555 MW (4,555 kW) of grid-connected rooftop solar PV projects under the RESCO model. Designated as RTSPV-Tranche-IX, the tender utilizes a Single-Stage, Two-Envelope bidding procedure to select developers for the installation of systems across 10 premier government institutions in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, Assam, and Manipur.
This tender represents a significant milestone in decentralized energy generation, requiring bidders to manage the full project lifecycle on a Build-Own-Operate (B-O-O) basis. The bid submission deadline is set for May 14, 2026.
Project Scope and Institutional Allocation
Selected Solar Power Developers (SPDs) will be responsible for the comprehensive design, engineering, supply, storage, civil work, installation, testing, and commissioning of the projects. Under the RESCO model, the developer also assumes responsibility for long-term Operation and Maintenance (O&M) for the duration of the 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
The total capacity is distributed as follows:
| Project No. | Client Organization | Location | Tentative Capacity (kW) | Tariff Ceiling (₹/kWh) |
| Project-1 | Central University of South Bihar (CUSB) | Gaya, Bihar | 1000 | 5.00 |
| Project-2 | IIIT Bhagalpur | Bhagalpur, Bihar | 85 | 5.00 |
| Project-3 | IIT Patna | Patna, Bihar | 900 | 4.59 |
| Project-4 | IGNOU RC, Patna | Patna, Bihar | 105 | 5.00 |
| Project-5 | IIM Raipur | Raipur, Chhattisgarh | 400 | 5.00 |
| Project-6 | Sikkim Manipal University (SKU), Tadong | Tadong, Sikkim | 550 | 5.15 |
| Project-7 | Sikkim Manipal University (SKU), Majhitar | Majhitar, Sikkim | 700 | 5.15 |
| Project-8 | IIIT Guwahati | Guwahati, Assam | 125 | 5.00 |
| Project-9 | CIT Kokrajhar | Kokrajhar, Assam | 525 | 5.00 |
| Project-10 | Manipur University (MU), Imphal | Imphal, Manipur | 165 | 5.00 |
Technical Specifications and Site Requirements
Bidders must comply with stringent technical standards and geography-specific requirements:
- Module Requirements: Mandatory use of Mono PERC-bifacial modules sourced from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).
- Engineering Standards: Mounting structures must be resilient against wind speeds of up to 160 km/hour.
- Site-Specific Complexity (IIT Patna): Developers are explicitly required to install solar panels on both building rooftops and over car/cycle parking areas using suitable structures.
- Generation Targets: SPDs must declare an annual Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) that meets the following minimum thresholds:
- Zone III (Bihar & Chhattisgarh): 15%
- Zone IV (Assam, Manipur & Sikkim): 13.5%
- O&M Protocols: A 15-day periodic cleaning cycle for modules is mandatory. Maintenance records must be documented in a “hindrance register” signed by both the SPD and the client.
Financial Framework and Eligibility
Developers are invited to bid based on a “Fixed Tariff” (INR/kWh) for the 25-year PPA term. While SECI offers no separate Central Financial Assistance, bidders are free to leverage fiscal incentives such as Accelerated Depreciation, Tax Holidays, and Concessional Customs Duties.
Key Financial Obligations
| Parameter | Zone III (Bihar/Chhattisgarh) | Zone IV (Assam/Manipur/Sikkim) |
| Service Charges | ₹1,350/kW + 18% GST | ₹1,485/kW + 18% GST |
| Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) | ₹3,375/kW | ₹3,715/kW |
| EMD Scale (Sample) | CUSB Gaya: ₹9,00,000 | SKU Majhitar: ₹6,93,000 |
- Service Charges: Payable in two installments: 50% within 30 days of LoA issuance and 50% prior to PPA signing. These are non-refundable.
- Bid Processing Fee: A non-refundable fee of INR 6,000 (including GST) is required.
- Financial Qualification: Bidders must demonstrate a minimum Net Worth of approximately ₹90 Lakh per MW of quoted capacity. For example, Project-1 (CUSB Gaya) requires a minimum Net Worth of ₹90,00,000 and Working Capital/Line of Credit of ₹1,12,50,000.
Actionable Timelines for Developers
The tender follows a strict schedule for submission and execution:
- Tender Issuance: April 10, 2026.
- Bid Submission Deadline: May 14, 2026.
- PPA Execution: Successful bidders must execute the PPA with the respective client organization within 60 days of the Letter of Award (LoA) issuance.
- Commissioning Timelines:
- Zone III: 9 months from the PPA effective date.
- Zone IV: 12 months from the PPA effective date.
- Grid Connectivity: SPDs are responsible for applying for net-metering within 90 days of PPA signing.
Administrative Information
The bidding process is hosted on the ISN-ETS portal (SECI-2025-TN000005). For technical and administrative inquiries, developers may contact:
- Sh. Atulya Kumar Naik: Executive Director (Contracts & Procurement)
- Sh. Pratik Prasun: Senior Manager (C&P)
- Sh. Abhisekh Srivastav: Manager (C&P)
All submissions must be digitally signed and uploaded to the ISN-ETS website. Offline submission of EMD instruments must reach SECI’s New Delhi office within two working days of the online bid deadline.
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