SECI Floats Tender For 13 MW Rooftop Solar Projects In Puducherry Under RESCO Mode

The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has issued a request for selection (RfS) for a major solar power project in the Union Territory of Puducherry. The tender calls for the establishment of 13,043 grid-connected rooftop solar PV projects on various government buildings across the territory. This initiative, known as RTSPV-Tranche-V, will be developed under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) mode through a tariff-based competitive bidding process. The project is an important part of India’s wider climate goals, especially its commitment to meet 50 percent of total energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030, a target announced by the Prime Minister at the COP26 summit.

Under the terms of the tender, the selected Solar Power Developers will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of the project. This includes design, engineering, supply, storage, civil works, erection, testing, and commissioning of the rooftop solar installations. In addition, they will handle the operation and maintenance of the projects for the full duration of the Power Purchase Agreement. Developers will also be required to obtain approvals for grid connectivity and net metering from the relevant authorities and the local distribution companies. The projects will be installed on government buildings spread throughout Puducherry, with a total estimated capacity of about 13,043 kilowatts. By making use of available rooftop space, the project aims to enhance renewable power generation in the Union Territory while reducing dependence on conventional energy.

The tender process will follow a single-stage, two-envelope bidding procedure. Bidders must pay a non-refundable processing fee of 6,000 rupees, including GST, to participate in the process. The RfS document specifies that an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) and a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) must also be submitted as per Clause 15 of the document. Micro and Small Enterprises with valid UDYAM registration are exempt from submitting the EMD and PBG. For other bidders, the exact amounts are clearly defined. The EMD has been set at ₹400,000 per megawatt, and the Performance Bank Guarantee will be required at ₹800,000 per megawatt of the allocated capacity. Any bidder who does not submit the required EMD may have their bid rejected at the evaluation stage.

The project timeline is strict and has a clear commissioning deadline. The Scheduled Commissioning Date (SCD) is set for nine months from the effective date of the Power Purchase Agreement. If the developer fails to meet this deadline, the total PBG amount will be encashed on a pro-rata basis depending on the capacity that remains uncommissioned. If the delay extends beyond six months from the SCD, the PPA for the uncommissioned capacity will be terminated altogether, and the overall project size will be reduced accordingly. These provisions have been included to ensure the timely execution of the project and to discourage delays that could affect the government’s renewable energy targets.

This project is expected to make a significant contribution to Puducherry’s renewable energy footprint by effectively using government building rooftops for clean energy generation. It is also a reflection of the government’s wider efforts to promote solar energy adoption across India. With strict deadlines, clear financial requirements, and a focus on efficiency, the Puducherry rooftop solar initiative marks another step in the country’s transition toward sustainable energy development and the achievement of its ambitious climate commitments.