MSEDCL Invites Vendor Bids for 200 MW Residential Rooftop Empanelment

Residential rooftop solar continues to move ahead  after a period of dormancy. The latest to add to the push is Maharashtra, where the key state discom, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has invited bids for vendors for 200 MW of grid-connected residential rooftop solar systems under the capital expenditure (CAPEX) model. The rooftop capacity under offer is under the central financial assistance of the centre under Phase II of the MNRE, enabling plants to earn subsidies ranging upto 40% of cost. MNRE had recently released the updated benchmark costs for rooftop solar. Maharashtra will obviously see vendors quoting costs lower than these owing to the better connectivity and access in the state, as seen in the recent bids in Andhra Pradesh. The latest push by MSEDCL also continues a revival of sorts that continues in Maharashtra when it comes to solar capacity addition.

The last date to submit bids is October 26, 2021.

MNRE has recently announced the benchmark cost for the residential rooftop solar projects in August.

For vendors, the scope of work as always includes the design, supply, erection, testing, and commissioning of grid-connected rooftop systems. The successful bidder must also provide comprehensive operation and maintenance services for rooftop solar systems for five years. All supplied components will need to meet laid down standards, and in case of modules, be a part of the approved list of suppliers (ALMM) too.

There are 5 categories for bidders to apply for. Category A, B, C, D, and Open Category.

To participate in Category A, B, C, and D, bidders should have successfully commissioned at least 100 kW of rooftop solar systems. Bidders must have an annual turnover of Rs 10,000/kW of the capacity offered in its bids in any one of the last three financial years. Or bidders’ net worth should be over Rs 5,000/kW for capacity offered by bidders.

Fresh entrants or new entrepreneurs would be considered as part of open category, and will be allowed to execute projects by matching the lowest bids received in the empanelment process.

MSEDCL is allocated 525 MW of grid-connected residential rooftop solar projects under the Phase 2 program involving central financial assistance.