SECI Floats Tender For 88 MW Solar PV Balance Of System Project In Karnataka

The Solar Energy Corporation of India has issued a tender for the Balance of System (BoS) package for an 88 MW (AC) grid-connected ground-mounted solar PV power plant in Chitradurga, Karnataka. The tender has been floated through a domestic competitive bidding process under a single-stage two-envelope system, followed by an e-reverse auction. The project is aimed at strengthening India’s renewable energy infrastructure and expanding utility-scale solar deployment in the southern region.

According to the tender document, the selected bidder will be responsible for a wide range of activities on a turnkey basis. The scope of work includes design, engineering, procurement, and supply of all equipment and materials required for the project, except for the solar PV modules, which will be supplied by the project owner. The contractor will also undertake multi-level inspections, packing, forwarding, unloading, storage at the site, civil works, installation, testing, and final commissioning of the plant.

In addition to project execution, the successful bidder will also provide comprehensive operation and maintenance services for a period of five years from the date of commissioning. This includes ensuring smooth operation of the plant and maintaining performance standards during the O&M period.

The tender includes several important financial conditions for participating bidders. An Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of INR 4.69 crore has been made mandatory. The EMD can be submitted through a Bank Guarantee, NEFT/RTGS transfer, or through a Payment on Order Instrument (POI) issued by PFC or REC.

Further, the selected contractor will have to submit a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) equivalent to 10 percent of the total supply and service contract value. The PBG must remain valid for 81 months, covering the 18-month commissioning timeline, the five-year O&M period, and an additional three months.

SECI has also specified a non-refundable tender processing fee of INR 25,000 plus applicable GST. However, Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) are exempted from paying this fee.

As per the tender schedule, the tender was officially released on May 8, 2026. Details regarding the pre-bid meeting will be announced separately through notifications on the SECI website. Interested bidders must submit their clarification queries within two working days after the pre-bid meeting. Offline submission of key compliance documents will also be required within two working days after the online bid submission deadline.

SECI has advised interested bidders to visit the project site in Chitradurga before participating in the pre-bid meeting to better understand site conditions and power evacuation arrangements.