Maharashtra Floats 2.25 MW Off-grid Solar & BESS Tender

Background and Context

The Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) has officially invited bids for the deployment of decentralized solar micro-grids, marking a strategic push toward rural electrification in the state. This Maharashtra off-grid solar tender focuses on providing reliable power to 16 villages in the Amravati district. By integrating 2,254 kW of solar capacity with 7,140 kWh of lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) battery storage, the state aims to enhance energy security in remote areas that remain underserved by the main grid.

Key Details

The project, estimated at a cost of ₹414.2 million (~$4.47 million), involves comprehensive end-to-end implementation. The scope of work is extensive, covering the survey, design, engineering, manufacturing, supply, and commissioning of solar systems integrated with battery management systems. Beyond power generation, the successful bidder will be responsible for electrifying 2,482 households, including internal wiring for lights and fans. Additional infrastructure requirements include the installation of 660 solar street lights, 17 solar water pumps, and 16 solar-powered atta chakkis for community use. A mandatory 7-year comprehensive maintenance contract is included to ensure long-term system availability and battery health.

What This Means for EPCs and Developers

For EPC contractors, this tender requires a robust technical profile. Bidders must demonstrate experience in executing solar and battery storage projects over the past five years. Specifically, they must have completed either one project of at least 80% capacity, two projects of 50% each, or three projects of 40% each. Financial eligibility criteria include an average annual turnover of at least ₹340 million, a positive net worth for the last three years, and a solvency certificate of ₹106 million. The integration of remote monitoring systems for performance tracking adds a layer of digital complexity that experienced contractors must account for in their project management approach.

What Happens Next

Interested parties must submit their bids by May 5, 2026, with the technical bid opening scheduled for the following day. The tender requires an earnest money deposit (EMD) of ₹4.14 million. As Maharashtra continues its aggressive transition toward renewable energy, with a target to meet 65% of its power needs from green sources and a specific goal for distribution companies to procure 100 GWh/day of storage capacity by 2036, projects of this nature are expected to become a cornerstone of the state’s broader energy strategy. This initiative underscores the growing importance of decentralized storage solutions in the India renewable energy sector context.