Punjab Launches 10 MW Government Rooftop Solar Tender Under CAPEX Model

The Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has invited bids for empanelling contractors to install an estimated cumulative capacity of 10 MW of grid-connected rooftop and ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (SPV) power plants across government buildings in Punjab and Chandigarh. The projects will be executed under a CAPEX model, with PEDA floating a rate contract for design, manufacture, supply, installation, testing, commissioning, insurance, warranty and five years of comprehensive operation and maintenance (O&M). The tender covers projects across four capacity segments—1-10 kW, above 10-50 kW, above 50-100 kW and above 100-500 kW. The selected EPC contractors will be responsible for site surveys, engineering, procurement, installation, grid synchronisation, net-metering facilitation and maintaining the plants for five years after commissioning. Work orders issued under the rate contract must be completed within 150 days. CAPEX Model Unlike RESCO or OPEX-based procurement, the projects will be developed under the CAPEX model, with the Punjab government funding the installations for captive consumption in government buildings. Surplus electricity generated will be exported to the grid under the applicable net-metering regulations. PEDA has stipulated that bidders must have commissioned grid-connected solar projects equivalent to at least 40% of the capacity quoted during the past seven financial years. They must also have an average annual turnover of Rs 1.2 crore per MW quoted in any three of the last four financial years and should have remained profitable during all three years. Consortium bids are not permitted. From a technical standpoint, the agency has mandated the use of ALMM-compliant solar modules and cells sourced from manufacturers listed under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). Modules must have a minimum capacity of 500 Wp, minimum efficiency of 16%, fill factor of at least 75%, and comply with IEC/BIS standards, including IEC 61215, IEC 61730 and IEC 62804. Inverter Specifications The tender also specifies that inverters must conform to IEC 61683/IS 61683 and IEC 60068 standards, while the complete system should include module mounting structures, distribution panels, protection systems, data logging and remote monitoring. Plants above 100 kW must additionally be equipped with a data logging system integrated with a Class 1 pyranometer. Bids must be submitted by 5:00 PM on July 13, 2026, while techno-commercial bids will be opened on July 14. A pre-bid meeting has been scheduled for June 26 at PEDA's Chandigarh office. The tender requires an earnest money deposit of Rs 8 lakh per MW, while the successful bidders will also be required to furnish performance security.