CREDA Invites INR 3 Crore Tender To Standardize Solar PV Module Rates Across Chhattisgarh

The Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA), operating under the Energy Department of the Government of Chhattisgarh, has invited bids to establish a rate contract for the supply of crystalline silicon solar photovoltaic (PV) modules across the state. The tender, issued under Bid Document Number 4911/CREDA/SOLAR MODULE/2026-27 and GeM Bid Number GEM/2026/B/7815251, aims to standardize the rates of solar PV modules for future procurement requirements.

The rate contract covers crystalline silicon solar modules with capacities ranging from 150 Watts to 600 Watts. CREDA has estimated the procurement requirement at 3,000 solar modules, representing a combined installed capacity of around 1 MW. The modules will primarily support operation and maintenance activities for various solar projects implemented across Chhattisgarh. The estimated value of the tender is Rs. 3 crore, and the selected bidders will be awarded a rate contract that will remain valid for one year from the date of award.

The tender places strong emphasis on product quality and long-term performance. Suppliers are required to provide a mandatory 10-year onsite warranty against manufacturing defects. In addition, the supplied modules must guarantee at least 90% of the rated power output after 10 years and 80% after 25 years. All modules must comply with applicable Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) guidelines. They must also be listed under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), ensuring that only approved products are supplied under the contract.

The bidding process is open to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as well as their authorized dealers and distributors. Interested bidders are required to submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of Rs. 3 lakh through Demand Draft, Pay Order, RTGS, or NEFT in favour of CREDA Raipur. However, eligible Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) manufacturers can claim exemption from the EMD by submitting valid supporting documents.

The financial terms of the contract require the successful bidder to provide a Performance Bank Guarantee or Security Deposit. Ten percent of the eligible contract value, excluding GST, will be retained as a security deposit for 60 months from the date of supply. The remaining 90% of the payment will be released after successful delivery of the modules at the project site and submission of the required Joint Completion Certificates.

According to the tender schedule, the bidding documents were made available on July 23, 2026, through the official CREDA website and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). Pre-bid queries were accepted until July 29, followed by a pre-bid meeting held on July 30 at the CREDA Head Office in Raipur. Bidders are also required to submit a physical sample of a solar module with a minimum capacity of 300 W by August 10, 2026, for technical inspection.

The final deadline for online bid submission through GeM and submission of hard copies at the CREDA headquarters is August 13, 2026. Technical bids are scheduled to be opened on August 19, followed by technical evaluation on August 21. The price bids of technically qualified bidders will be opened on August 25, completing the procurement process for the proposed rate contract.