After Floating Solar, Bihar Issues Tender For ‘Pond Solar Systems’

After Floating Solar, Bihar Issues Tender For 'Pond Solar Systems'

After successfully installing floating solar systems on several water bodies, the Bihar government has now set its sights on deploying solar projects on private ponds. The Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL) plans to add approximately 20 MW of new solar capacity through pond-based solar systems and has recently issued a tender to this effect, with a submission deadline of November 12.

Unlike floating solar systems, these pond solar projects will feature solar panels mounted on elevated structures. To address the high moisture content in these environments, BSPGCL has specified special technical requirements to ensure the durability of the solar modules. The tender seeks EPC players to develop the project under the RESCO model.

The tender allows developers to bid for a minimum capacity of 2 MW, with a cumulative total of 20 MW available. The state government agency intends to sell the power generated from these grid-connected projects to the state’s distribution companies—SBPDCL and NBPDCL—for a period of 25 years.

According to the tender, the solar modules must be ALMM-compliant. However, developers have flexibility in selecting technology, taking into consideration the potential challenges of pond-based solar systems during their operational lifecycle.

“The selection of solar PV module technology would be technology agnostic to suit the solar project where humidity levels are high and moisture ingress is more. The modules with suitable quality back sheets, glass-to-glass packed modules, or any modules with suitable technology shall be used. The structures, modules used shall have proven design and demonstrated performance. Mono PERC modules manufactured by the latest ALMM of MNRE with or without trackers may be installed. Only commercially established and operational technologies can be used to minimize technological risk and achieve timely commissioning of the Project,” the tender stated.

The BSPGCL tender further specifies that the solar project must be connected to the nearest power substation of the discom, with the solar project developer responsible for all expenses related to the transmission line connectivity.