IISER Bhopal Invites Bids To Set Up 2 MW Captive Solar Plant With 10-Year O&M Commitment

The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal, has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) for setting up a 2 MW in-house captive solar PV plant at its campus. The scope of work includes the planning, design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the plant, followed by 10 years of post-commissioning operations and maintenance. The project will be executed on a CAPEX model, and a one-year defect liability period will precede the long-term maintenance commitment.

The proposed plant will be developed on available land at the campus, and the final capacity may go up to the maximum feasible size. IISER Bhopal currently has a 345 kWp rooftop solar plant operating on a RESCO model and is looking to expand solar energy adoption. The plant is intended to meet part of the campus’s power demand, which currently stands at 2.6 MW and may increase to 5 MW in the future.

The Expression of Interest process will follow a two-stage bidding system. In the first stage, shortlisted firms will undergo technical discussions and evaluations based on eligibility, financial capacity, and experience with similar projects. Only technically and financially qualified bidders will be invited for the second stage, where they will submit their price bids based on finalised specifications and terms.

Key deadlines for this tender are as follows: Last date for submission of EOI: 11th September 2025 by 3:00 PM, Opening of EOI (technical bid): 12th September 2025 at 3:00 PM, Date of presentation: Will be communicated to eligible bidders later.

The estimated time for completing the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning (SITC) work is six months. The earnest money deposit (EMD) is required and must be submitted through SBI I-Collect in favour of the Director, IISER Bhopal.

Applicants must have executed solar projects of a similar size in the past seven years and have a minimum average annual turnover of ₹5 crore over the last three financial years. They must not have incurred losses in more than two of the past five years and must present a valid banker’s or net worth certificate.

The final bidder will be responsible for obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals, integrating the plant with the existing power infrastructure, and ensuring the plant’s optimal performance. The comprehensive maintenance scope includes monitoring, regular upkeep, and performance guarantees for 10 years.

This project aligns with IISER Bhopal’s vision to promote sustainability and adopt clean energy solutions at its campus, supporting India’s broader renewable energy goals.