SECI Invites Bids for 4.46 MW Rooftop Solar Projects

Background and Context

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has officially invited bids for the installation of 4.455 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar projects under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model. This initiative, designated as Tranche IX, aims to accelerate the adoption of solar energy across diverse institutional rooftops in India. The project encompasses a wide geographic spread, targeting locations including Bhopal, Thrissur, Jaipur, Lucknow, Puri, Sringeri, Agartala, Bhalwal, Kangra, and Devprayag.

Key Details

The scope of work for the successful bidder is comprehensive, covering the entire project lifecycle from design, engineering, and procurement to civil works, installation, and long-term operation and maintenance. Notably, the projects will be situated at prominent sites such as the Central Sanskrit University, the Regional Passport Office in Bhopal, and various Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIIT). The tender specifies a ceiling tariff of ₹5/kWh. Technical requirements are stringent: developers must utilize Mono PERC-bifacial modules sourced from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), and mounting structures must be engineered to withstand wind speeds of up to 160 km/hour.

What This Means for EPCs and Developers

For EPC contractors and solar developers, this tender represents a significant opportunity to execute multi-site rooftop solar projects with clear technical guidelines. The project is divided into two categories with distinct commissioning timelines: seven months for Category A and nine months for Category B. Developers are required to maintain a Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) within specific bands for the duration of the 10-year PPA term. Failure to meet these generation targets will result in a penalty equivalent to 50% of the PPA tariff for the energy shortfall. Furthermore, developers must manage the entire grid connectivity and net metering approval process with local DISCOMs.

What Happens Next

The bid submission deadline is set for May 14, 2026, with the bid opening scheduled for the same day. Prospective bidders must ensure they meet the financial criteria, including the performance bank guarantee of ₹3,375/kW for Category A and ₹3,715/kW for Category B. As India continues to push toward its ambitious renewable energy targets, projects like this highlight the critical role of rooftop solar in decentralized power generation. The integration of high-efficiency modules and strict performance monitoring underscores the sector’s shift toward quality-focused, long-term sustainable energy infrastructure.