NTPC Issues Bid To Develop Rooftop Solar Projects In Africa

NTPC Limited has issued a tender on behalf of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe to develop rooftop solar projects in the African island nation. The Indian power giant stated that the International Solar Alliance (ISA) will finance the project. NTPC is overseeing the initiative as the Project Management Consultant (PMC). The deadline for bid submissions is February 5.

Located in Africa, São Tomé and Príncipe is an island nation known for its low population density and vulnerability to volcanic activity. According to the tender document, vendors will be responsible for the supply, installation, and commissioning of the rooftop solar projects. The plan includes installing 50 kWp of rooftop solar capacity across the region. NTPC has also specified a one-year standard system warranty for the project.

The tender emphasizes the use of advanced technology in these solar installations and outlines the bidders’ liabilities, including adherence to minimum efficiency standards for solar modules.

“The capacity of each of the solar module shall not be less than 530 Wp, Efficiency shall be greater than 19% and no negative tolerance from quoted power rating on solar module shall be allowed in any strings of the inverter. The module would be PID resistant,” the tender document states. Bidders are also required to use crystalline silicon, mono-PERC, or TOPCon solar modules for the projects.

Eligibility Criteria

The tender outlines specific eligibility requirements for bidders interested in the project:

• “The Bidder should have supplied, installed /got installed and commissioned/got commissioned Solar Photo Voltaic (SPV) based power plant of minimum cumulative capacity of 80 kWp, which must have been in successful operation for at least one (1) year after commissioning prior to the techno-commercial bid opening date,” the document states.
• The reference plant(s) must include a minimum of 25 kWp Solar PV Power plant at a single location, according to NTPC.
• “The Bidder should be a legal entity, duly incorporated/registered under the laws of its country of domicile in one of the member/signatory countries of ISA as on the date of techno-commercial bid submission,” it adds.

Financial Criteria

The tender also specifies financial requirements for bidders:
“The average annual turnover of the Bidder should not be less than USD 265,000 (US Dollar Two Lakh Sixty-Five Thousand only) during the preceding three (3) financial years as on date of techno-commercial bid opening.”