SECI Floats Tender For 6.25 MW Rooftop Solar Projects Under The RESCO Across Ten Premier Institutes

Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) released a tender on April 21, 2025, inviting bids for the development of 6.25 MW grid-connected rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) projects under the RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) model. This project aims to set up solar installations on the rooftops of ten government institutions across India, including IIMs, NITs, IITs, and other educational institutes. The power developers selected through this tender will be responsible for building, owning, and operating the rooftop solar systems.

The projects are spread across various states including Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. The highest capacity, 1,500 kW, is to be installed at NIT Kurukshetra, while other institutions like IIT Ropar and the Central University of Punjab, Bhatinda, will see installations of 860 kW and 1,000 kW respectively. Smaller installations, such as 85 kW at IIIT Surat and 300 kW at SPA Vijayawada, are also included. The maximum tariff allowed varies slightly across projects, with the highest being ₹5.15/kWh at NIFT, Raebareli.

The Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) required varies by project size. For example, developers interested in NIT Kurukshetra must submit ₹13.5 lakhs, while for smaller capacities like IIIT Surat, the EMD is ₹76,500. The total EMD for all projects amounts to ₹55.79 lakhs. Bidders must also pay a bid processing fee of ₹6,000 inclusive of GST. These payments can be made via NEFT/RTGS, Demand Drafts, or Bank Guarantees.

In addition to EMD, selected bidders must furnish a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) of ₹3,375 per kW. For instance, a project of 500 kW would require a PBG of ₹16.87 lakhs. This guarantee must be submitted before signing the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The PPA is to be signed within 60 days from the date of the Letter of Award (LoA) and will be valid for 25 years from the commissioning of the project.

The commissioning schedule mandates that projects must be completed within 9 months from the effective date of the PPA. A grace period of an additional 6 months is allowed with a penalty. If commissioning is delayed beyond this extended period, the PPA capacity will be reduced to the capacity actually commissioned, and the rest will be terminated.

The selected developers are also responsible for obtaining necessary grid connectivity approvals, arranging net metering, and operating and maintaining the solar PV systems for the entire PPA term. They must also comply with detailed guidelines for cleaning, maintenance, and reporting.

SECI will charge service fees of ₹1,350 per kW, payable in two installments. The first installment (50%) is due within 30 days of LoA issuance, and the second before the PPA is signed. These charges are non-refundable.

This initiative is aligned with India’s commitment under the “Panchamrit” goals to meet 50% of its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030. Through this competitive bidding process, SECI aims to ensure transparent and efficient implementation of rooftop solar systems in key government institutions across the country.