The Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) has issued a tender to empanel agencies to develop 25 MW of residential rooftop solar systems under the capital expenditure (CAPEX) model.

The last date to submit bids is December 24, 2021. Bids will be opened on December 27. The pre-bid meeting will be held on December 14.

Bidders must submit ₹100,000 (~$1,332)/MW for the quoted capacity as an earnest money deposit (EMD).

The bids are invited under five categories:

• Category A (1 kW): The total capacity to be developed under this category is 3 MW, and bidders can apply for a minimum of 100 kW and a maximum of 500 kW capacity.
• Category B (1 kW-2 kW): A cumulative capacity of 3 MW will be allocated under this category. Bidders can apply for a minimum of 100 kW and a maximum of 500 kW capacity.
• Category C (2 kW-3 kW): A total of 8 MW is reserved for this category. Bidders can apply for a minimum of 200 kW and a maximum of 2 MW capacity.
• Category D (3 kW-10 kW): The total capacity for this category is 8 MW, and bidders can apply for a minimum of 200 kW. The upper limit is 2 MW.
• Category E (10 kW-100 kW): The capacity allotted under this category is 8 MW, and bidders can apply for a minimum of 100 kW and a maximum of up to 500 kW.

The scope of work includes identifying rooftops, designing, engineering, manufacturing, supply, storage, erection, testing, and commissioning of grid-connected rooftop solar projects. After commissioning these projects, the successful bidders must also provide comprehensive operation and maintenance (O&M) services for five years.

The successful bidders must commission projects within 12 months from the date of the letter of allocation.

According to the tender document, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of Jharkhand are exempted from technical and financial eligibility requirements.

Eligible bidders should have installed and commissioned at least 20 kW of grid-connected rooftop solar projects for categories A, B, C, and D. They must have installed and commissioned 50 kW of rooftop projects for category E.

Bidders should have a minimum average annual turnover of ₹10 million (~$133,181)/MW for the last three financial years to bid for various capacities under categories A, B, C, D, and E.

They should have a positive net worth of a minimum of ₹5 million (~$66,588)/MW for the last three financial years.

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. The central financial assistance will be restricted to 20% for common facilities up to 500 kW for group housing societies and residential welfare associations.

In April 2021, JBVNL invited bids to empanel agencies to develop 25 MW of residential rooftop solar power projects under the renewable energy service company (RESCO) model.

According to Mercom’s India Solar Tender Tracker, 54.8 MW of rooftop solar tenders have been floated in the state of Jharkhand.

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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