The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co Ltd (MSEDCL) has launched a tender to procure power from decentralized solar projects in the state of Maharashtra, with a combined capacity of 431 MW AC.

Minimum individual ground mounted solar project capacity is stated in the request for selection (RFS) documents as 500 kW and the maximum as 2 MW. Projects can be presented under self-development mode which could mean farmers themselves among other eligible applicants.

Another mode of development is the developer mode which refers to landowners leasing their land to developers to set up the plants. Interested parties can refer to a land portal prepared by MSEDCL where a list of land and its details are available along with tender documents.

The agency has specified that the solar power project under the scheme will need to be implemented primarily on barren/uncultivable land. Agricultural land will only be permitted provided the solar plant is installed in stilt fashion with adequate spacing between panel rows.

Projects will preferably be installed within 5 km radius of the sub-stations to avoid costs of transmission. Winners will enter into a power purchase agreement (PPA) with MSEDCL for a duration of 25 years.

The tender has been launched under component A of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahahiyan (PM-KUSUM) Scheme. This scheme of the federal government targets 30.8 GW solar power capacity to encourage its use for agricultural purpose. Of the 3 components to source this capacity under, component A targets 10 GW (see MNRE Revises Solar Target Under PM-KUSUM Scheme).

Last date to submit responses is June 3, 2022. Details are available on MSEDCL’s website.