SECI Invites Bids For Rooftop Solar RESCO Project For Universities

SECI is set to power central universities with its 4.5 MW grid-connected rooftop solar projects under the RESCO mode. It has sought bids until May 2, 2025.

In its tender, SECI clarified that the Solar Power Developer (SPD) would be required to set up a grid-connected rooftop solar PV (RTSPV) project, with the primary objective of supplying solar power to the client organization.  The project will be spread across 10 rooftop solar sites, including CUSB in Gaya, IIIT in Bhagalpur, IIT in Patna, and IGNOU RC in Patna. Other locations include IIM in Raipur, SKU in Tadong, and SKU in Majhitar. Additionally, installations will be set up at IIIT in Guwahati, CIT in Kokrajhar, and MU in Imphal.

SECI in its tender expanded that on the expected capacity of the project. It stated, CUSB in Gaya is expected to develop a 1,000 kW capacity, while IIIT Bhagalpur will have 85 kW, IIT Patna 900 kW, and IGNOU RC Patna 105 kW. Other planned capacities include 400 kW at IIM Raipur, 550 kW at SKU Tadong, and 700 kW at SKU Majhitar. Meanwhile, IIIT Guwahati will have a capacity of 125 kW, CIT Kokrajhar 525 kW, and MU Imphal 165 kW.

SECI tender

Criteria for Energy Supply

SECI in its tender adds that the bidders are expected to meet certain Capacity Utilization Factors (CUF) for the project. “The bidders will be required to declare the annual CUF of the project at the time of submission of their response. The declared annual CUF shall in no case be less than 15% for projects set up in Zone-III (i.e., projects located in Bihar & Chhattisgarh) and 13.5% for projects set up in Zone-IV (i.e., projects located in Assam, Manipur & Sikkim) under this RfS.”

Commissioning Schedule and Penalty for Delay

The project developer will set up projects across locations in Zone-III (Bihar & Chhattisgarh). The Scheduled Commissioning Date (SCD) for the full capacity of the project will be nine months from the Effective Date of the PPA. For projects in Zone-IV (Assam, Manipur & Sikkim), the SCD will be 12 months from the Effective Date of the PPA.