A tender to select developers for the installation of grid-connected rooftop solar systems of various capacities, following the public-private partnership (PPP) mode, in West Bengal has been released by the South Eastern Railways.
There are two capacity ranges in which the projects are to be created: more than 10 kW and up to 100 kW and greater than 100 kW and up to 500 kW.
The last date for submitting proposals is March 20, 2023. Bids will be revealed on the same day.
In addition to an earnest money deposit of Rs. 1.07 million/MW, bidders must also submit a bid document fee of Rs. 34,810. Within 30 days of signing the power purchase agreement (PPA), the successful bidders are required to present a performance bank guarantee in the amount of Rs. 1.60 million/MW.
The length of the appointment will be one year from the date the letter of award is issued; but, based on performance, it may be extended for an additional year.
With the chosen project developer, the South Eastern Railways will sign a 25-year PPA.
Rooftop solar systems’ engineering, installation, design, construction, procurement, testing, and commissioning are all included in the scope of work. The construction of the projects will follow a design-build-finance-operate-transfer model.
After signing the PPA, the developers have 240 days to install the projects. After the systems are installed, the chosen project developer will have to provide operation and maintenance services for them for 25 years.
The net metering system will be used by the Railways to utilize the solar power produced.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s Approved List of Models & Manufacturers should be utilized to source the modules that will be used in this project.
As a developer or an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor, bidders must have installed rooftop solar systems that are linked to the grid and have a cumulative capacity of 200 kW.
Alternately, bidders must have prior experience as a developer or EPC contractor developing and commissioning grid-connected solar systems with a minimum combined 1 MW capacity in any sector, including social, residential, government commercial, and industrial.
Bidders must have a positive net worth over the previous 3 fiscal years and an average yearly turnover of Rs. 15 million.
