Jharkhand State Issues Tender for Rooftop Solar Projects Across Government Buildings
Newly registered MSEs in Jharkhand are exempted from prior experience requirements, a move aimed at encouraging local participation and boosting the state’s renewable ecosystem
Jharkhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (JREDA) has floated a tender to empanel agencies for the design, manufacture, supply, installation, and commissioning of grid-connected rooftop solar power systems across government buildings in the state.
The tender, issued under Jharkhand’s push to scale up solar adoption in public infrastructure, includes a five-year comprehensive maintenance contract (CMC) and will be executed on a turnkey basis, according to the tender document.
Scope and Timeline
JREDA aims to select “competent, experienced and financially sound” bidders for both execution and long-term maintenance. The project execution timeline is four months, while the overall contract duration, including maintenance, will extend to five years.
The last date for bid submission is May 28.
Selected agencies will be responsible for:
- Conducting pre-feasibility site assessments
- Facilitating net-metering approvals from distribution companies
- Complete system design, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC)
- Civil works, installation, testing, and commissioning
- Setting up operation and maintenance (O&M) centres
Technical and Compliance Requirements
The projects must adhere to standards set by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and applicable regulatory frameworks.
Contractors will also need to comply with provisions under the Electricity Act and guidelines issued by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), ensuring strict electrical safety and performance standards.
Maintenance responsibilities during the CMC period include:
- Preventive and corrective maintenance
- Regular cleaning of panels
- Performance monitoring
- Replacement of faulty components
Capacity Categories and Participation Rules
The rooftop solar projects have been divided into four capacity categories, ranging from 1 kW to above 100 kW, with separate classifications for systems with and without battery storage.
Bidders are permitted to participate in only one category.
Eligibility Criteria
The tender is open to Indian entities including companies, LLPs, partnerships, proprietorships, and corporations engaged in:
- Manufacturing solar PV modules, batteries, or power conditioning units (PCUs)
- Functioning as system integrators
However, authorised dealers and subcontractors are not eligible.
For general category bidders, prior experience in executing rooftop solar projects for government bodies, PSUs, or state nodal agencies within the last seven years is mandatory.
Capacity-specific experience requirements include:
- For the 11–50 kW category:
- One 50 kW project, or
- Three projects of at least 10 kW each
Relaxations for MSMEs
Jharkhand-based micro and small enterprises (MSEs) have been provided relaxed eligibility norms, requiring either:
- One project of the relevant category size, or
- Two smaller projects under a lower category
Notably, newly registered MSEs in Jharkhand are exempted from prior experience requirements, a move aimed at encouraging local participation and boosting the state’s renewable ecosystem.
