The Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) has invited bids to empanel vendors to set up 1 kW to 500 kW grid-connected residential rooftop solar systems in Chhattisgarh under Phase-II of the Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar Program of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

The last date to submit online bids is January 5, 2022. Technical bids will be opened the following day. The pre-bid meeting will take place on December 17, 2021.

The company invited bids under three categories. The rooftop solar capacity under Category A is 1 kW to 10 kW. For categories B and C, the capacity is above 10 kW to 100 kW and above 100 kW to 500 kW, respectively.

The scope of work includes identifying rooftops, designing, engineering, manufacturing, supply, storage, erection, testing, and commissioning of grid-connected rooftop solar systems under the capital expenditure (CAPEX) model. After commissioning these systems, the successful bidders must provide comprehensive operations and maintenance services for five years.

The successful bidders must submit ₹500,000 (~$6,635) as a performance guarantee within 14 days from the date of selection.

To participate in the competitive bidding process in Category A, bidders must have installed and commissioned at least 1 kW system each in the last three consecutive financial years. Alternatively, bidders must have commissioned at least two systems with above 10 kW capacity or should have installed a total of 100 kW rooftop systems in the last three financial years. Their minimum annual average turnover should be ₹5 million (~$66,403), and their net worth positive in the last three financial years.

For Category B, bidders should have installed and commissioned at least 10 kW of rooftop system each in the last three consecutive financial years. They must have commissioned at least one system with over 50 kW capacity or at least 500 kW of cumulative rooftop solar capacity in the last three financial years. Their minimum annual average turnover should be ₹7 million (~$92,965), and their net worth positive in the last three financial years.

For capacities above 100 kW to 500 kW, bidders must have installed and commissioned at least 50 kW capacity each in the last three financial years. In the last three financial years, they must have commissioned at least one system above 100 kW or at least 1 MW of cumulative rooftop solar capacity. They should have a minimum annual average turnover of ₹10 million (~$132,788). Their net worth must be positive in the last three financial years.

Successful bidders must achieve an annual capacity utilization factor (CUF) of a minimum of 15% for a warranty period of five years and as per the MNRE guidelines for the remaining period till the end of 25 years.

MNRE has notified the benchmark cost for various capacities of rooftop solar projects for the financial year 2021-22, as mentioned in the table below.

Rooftop solar installations up to 3 kW will qualify for a 40% subsidy. Installations from 3 kW to 10 kW will get a subsidy of 40% for the first 3 kW and 20% for the remaining capacity. Central financial assistance (CFA) will be restricted to 20% for common facilities up to 500 kW for group housing societies and residential welfare associations.

In May 2021, CREDA invited bids to standardize the rates for the supply of solar modules of different capacities (75 W- 315 W) for solar applications in the state.

According to Mercom’s India Solar Tender Tracker, CREDA has issued tenders for 72.9 MW of rooftop solar capacity to date.

Harsh Shukla is a staff reporter at Mercom India. Previously with Indian Express, he has covered general interest stories. He holds a Masters Degree in Journalism from Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune.

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