IREL Invites Bids For 50 kWp Solar Plant Installation In Kollam, Kerala

IREL (India) Limited, under the Department of Atomic Energy, has invited bids for the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of two 50 kWp 3-phase grid-tied solar power plants. The tender was released on 22nd May 2025 with a bid end date set for 11th June 2025 at 2:00 PM. Bids will be opened the same day at 2:30 PM. This project is located at Chavara in Kollam district, Kerala.

The estimated bid value for this project is ₹72,90,040. Bidders are required to submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of ₹1,23,560. The EMD can be submitted through various modes including Demand Draft, Banker’s Cheque, or online transfer to the State Bank of India, Chavara branch. Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) is mandatory, set at 5% of the contract value, and must remain valid for 122 months. This includes the warranty and comprehensive maintenance periods.

The bid requires a minimum average annual turnover of ₹19 lakhs over the past three years for bidders and ₹5 lakhs for OEMs. Bidders must also demonstrate experience by having completed at least one similar project of 40kWp, or two projects of 25kWp, or three projects of 20kWp capacity within the last seven years, ending on 30th April 2025. Only manufacturers or authorized dealers/stockists of solar panels or inverters are eligible. Catalogs and supporting documents must be submitted along with the bid.

Preference will be given to Make in India and Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs) as per public procurement policies. However, MSEs are not exempt from EMD or turnover criteria unless they are manufacturers or service providers. The bid also includes a comprehensive warranty of five years, followed by a five-year comprehensive maintenance contract. This maintenance includes routine checks and repairs with a requirement of 98% uptime, with penalties applicable for downtime.

The evaluation of bids will be based on total value, including maintenance charges, calculated on a net present value basis. The selected supplier must also ensure statutory clearances, NOCs from electricity boards, and synchronization with the local substation. Training for operators and submission of compliance documents are mandatory as part of the contract scope.