CEL Invites EPC Contractors For Solar Projects Empanelment To Boost India’s Renewable Energy Growth

Central Electronics Limited (CEL), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Science & Technology, has opened a Notice Inviting Expression of Interest (EOI) for the empanelment of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractors. The initiative is aimed at identifying capable contractors with the financial strength and technical expertise to execute a wide range of solar projects. These include solar power plants, solar street lighting, home lighting systems, and water pumping systems. The empanelment process is designed to ensure that projects awarded to CEL are completed efficiently and on time, while maintaining high-quality standards.

The EOI has been issued as a perpetually open invitation, valid until March 31, 2026, with evaluations taking place every month. Contractors applying for empanelment will be classified into three categories: A, B, and C, based on their average annual turnover and solar EPC experience over the last three financial years, from FY 2022-23 to FY 2024-25. For Category A, a bidder must have an average turnover of at least ₹100 Crore and experience of more than 10 MWp in executing solar power plants. Category B requires an average turnover between ₹50 Crore and ₹100 Crore, with over 5 MWp of experience in solar projects. Category C is for bidders with a turnover between Rs. 5 Crore and ₹50 Crore and experience exceeding 1 MWp. CEL has clarified that the final category assigned to a bidder will be determined by the lower of the two criteria achieved, either turnover or experience.

The empaneled contractors will be responsible for the complete execution of projects, which includes conducting site surveys, preparing design and engineering plans, supplying required materials, installing solar systems, and carrying out testing and commissioning. Contractors are also expected to ensure the satisfactory performance of the installed systems during both the warranty and maintenance periods. While empanelment does not guarantee a work order, it makes the contractors eligible to participate in subsequent limited tenders. Contractors in higher categories can bid for tenders in their own category or any lower category, offering them broader opportunities for project execution.

Applicants are required to submit a set of documents, including audited balance sheets, Income Tax Returns, and completion certificates from previous solar projects. Additionally, a valid ISO 9001:2015 certification is mandatory for participation. The empanelment will initially be valid for one year and may be renewed based on performance and adherence to terms. CEL has the right to cancel the empanelment of any contractor who fails to participate in two consecutive limited tenders or does not execute the work according to agreed conditions.

All applications must be submitted online through the government e-procurement portal, and a non-refundable processing fee of ₹59,000 must be paid by each applicant. This initiative by CEL is a step towards strengthening India’s solar infrastructure by bringing qualified contractors on board and ensuring timely completion of renewable energy projects while maintaining high standards of quality and performance. The monthly evaluation process and clear criteria for categorization provide a structured approach to empanelment, allowing the government enterprise to maintain a pool of reliable EPC contractors for its ongoing and future solar projects.

This move is expected to encourage more participation from experienced solar contractors, support the government’s renewable energy targets, and contribute to the growth of solar power capacity in the country.