The Punjab Energy Developing Agency (PEDA) has issued a Request for Proposal (RfP) for the approval of rates of different capacities of grid-interactive rooftop solar projects in the state.

The RfP has classified the rooftop solar systems in the category of 1-10 kW, 10-20 kW, 20-50 kW, 50-100 kW, and for more than 100 kW and up to 500 kW capacities.

The last date for bid submissions is July 25, 2019, with the opening of the techno-commercial bids slotted for July 26, 2019. A pre-bid meeting will be held on July 3, 2019.

The detailed scope of work includes the approval of rates for the design, manufacture, supply, erection, testing, commissioning of the projects, along with maintenance services for five years. The scope of work also includes wear and tear, overhauling, machine breakdown, and replacement of defective parts for five years.

An earnest money deposit of ₹200,000  (~$2,870) is required to be deposited. The PV modules and its cells used for these installations should be made in India. The module capacity used should be of minimum 250 Wp, and the efficiency of the modules should not be less than 16%.

The power generated from these rooftop solar PV projects would be utilized for captive consumption. The surplus power generation from these projects is to be fed to the grid adhering to the state net metering policy.

Recently, the Akal University in Punjab’s Bhatinda announced that it had installed a 1.2 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project for ₹52 million (~$0.75 million). The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) provided a subsidy of ₹17 million (~$0.25 million) for this project.

The state government of Punjab also approved a pilot solar project to be developed on agricultural land on a rental basis, besides allowing farmers to undertake high-value cultivation of fruits and vegetables.

Soumik is a staff reporter at Mercom India. Prior to joining Mercom, Soumik was a correspondent for UNI, New Delhi covering the Northeast region for seven years. He has also worked as an Asia Correspondent for Washington DC-based Hundred Reporters. He has contributed as a freelancer to several national and international digital publications with a focus on data-based investigative stories on environmental corruption, hydro power projects, energy transition and the circular economy. Soumik is an Economics graduate from Scottish Church College, Calcutta University.