SECI Invites PV Rooftop Feasibility Studies

• SECI invites bids from agencies who can conduct feasibility assessment reports for rooftop PV on government buildings
• It estimates rooftop PV potential of buildings from ministries and government departments at 1,000 MW
• All the buildings are categorised under eight packages that are spread out across the country
• Bidders can bid for a minimum of one and a maximum of two packages
• Last date of bid submission is set at September 20, 2016

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has issued a request for selection (RfS) of documents for agencies to prepare feasibility assessment reports for rooftop PV. It is inviting bidders to prepare such reports for the installation of grid connected rooftop solar PV systems on government buildings in India. Earlier this month, SECI had announced the scheme for 1,000 MW of solar power on government buildings (see Solar For Indian Government Buildings).

Organizations are required to offer bids to conduct assessment for grid connected rooftop PV totalling 1,000 MW on government buildings of various ministries and departments. These are listed in packages and there are a total of eight packages (A to H). Bidders are allowed to bid for not more than two packages together and a minimum of one package out of the eight. Under these packages, all the buildings of the various ministries are listed state and city wise.

The estimated rooftop PV potential of all the ministries allocated to SECI under the bid come to 1,100,310 kW or 1.1 GW. Out of the buildings that offer the biggest potential among the ministries are: the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) with 801.7 MW, followed by the Ministry of Culture at 101.2 MW, Ministry of Defence at 87.9 MW, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution with 49.5 MW and Ministry of Textiles with 30.5 MW. There are others in the list as well. The buildings are located in various states and cities of the country.

Out of the overarching target of 100 GW of grid connected solar power capacity by 2022, India wants to install 40 GW through rooftop PV. However, there hasn't been much success in the segment due to various reasons. While awareness and enthusiasm among common people is still missing, the government is now pushing its own ministries and departments to have solar installed on their premises. Various market research agencies and consultancies don't see the country being able to manage the 40 GW number any time soon.

In July 2016, SECI had received good response to its 500 MW rooftop PV capacity tendered across the country (see 602 MW Bids Received For SECI Rooftop Tender).

The selected bidders will be required to visit the sites, conduct detailed site
assessment and prepare and submit the feasibility assessment report within 45 days from the date of issue of work order.

The last date of bid submission is set at September 20, 2016. More details can be read here.