SECI Invites EoI to Explore Market for Domestically-produced PV Modules

To assess the availability of domestically produced modules with respect to commercial parameters, Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has invited Expression of Interest (EoI) from interested bidders for the supply of photovoltaic modules and cells manufactured in India for the delivery period of FY23-24. The deadline to respond to this EoI is January 21, 2022, till 5:30 PM.

Recently, SECI was awarded a 1200 MW solar project under CPSU Scheme II (Tranche III), for which the company plans to procure the modules directly from the manufacturers. Based on the inputs received in response to this EoI, SECI will invite bids to procure modules and cells which meet the requisite general, technical, and qualitative criteria.

SECI specifies that it has issued this EoI with the intention to explore the market for eligible and interested bidders, who may apply voluntarily without expecting definitive contractual agreements.

Technical Requirements:

In addition to having DC capacity of 1800MWp, the manufacturers must ensure that their modules fulfil the following specifications:

Component Specifications:

• Crystalline Silicon Modules:

1. (i) Glass/Backsheet Modules: The PV Modules glass panel shall have transmittance of above 90%. The minimum thickness of glass shall be 3.2 mm.
2. (ii) Glass/Glass Modules: Glass shall have minimum 2 mm thickness on each side. It shall be laminated using a laminator with a symmetrical structure, i,e heating plate on both sides. Glass shall have transmittance above 90%

• Thin Film Modules: Glass/Glass Modules shall have minimum 2 mm thickness on each side. It shall be laminated using a laminator with a symmetrical structure, i,e heating plate on both sides. Glass shall have transmittance above 90%.
• For Crystalline Silicone Glass/Polymer PV Modules: the back sheet used in the PV modules shall be of three-layered structure durable for humid – hot conditions with properties of moisture barrier, elongation retention and UV resistance. The back sheet shall have the following properties:

• For Crystalline Silicon Modules: the encapsulant used for the PV modules should be polyolefin based, UV resistant and PID resistant in nature. No yellowing of the encapsulant with prolonged exposure shall occur. The encapsulant shall have the following properties:

• The sealant used for edge sealing of PV modules shall have excellent moisture ingress protection with good electrical insulation (Break down voltage >15 kV/mm) and with good adhesion strength. Edge tapes for sealing are not allowed.
• The module frame shall be made of anodized Aluminium. It shall have provision for earthing to connect it to the earthing grid. The anodization thickness shall not be less than 15 micron.
• The material used for junction box shall be UV resistant to avoid degradation during module life. The degree of protection of the junction box shall be at least IP67. Minimum three number of bypass diodes and two number of IEC 62852/EN 50521 certified MC4 compatible connectors with appropriate length of IEC 62930/EN 50618 certified 4 sq.mm copper cable shall be provided. The cable length shall be in accordance with the PV Module wiring strategy and adequate to ensure that the cable bending radius standard is not exceeded.

Warranty:

The PV modules must be warranted with linear degradation rate of power output except for first year (maximum 3% including LID) and shall guarantee 80% of the initial rated power output at the end of 25 years. The modules shall be warranted for minimum of 10 years against all material/manufacturing defects and workmanship. These warranties are to be backed by third party insurance.

Validity: The offer will be valid for a period of 90 days from the date of technical bid opening date. Validity beyond 90 days, if required, will be specified in the SCC (special conditions of contract).

Further details of the EoI can be accessed here.