NHDC seeks supplier for up to 350 MW of solar modules

State-owned hydropower company NHDC Ltd is tendering for a solar module supplier as it aims to secure 340-350 MW of generation capacity in a 1.5 GW project tender being held by the body behind the 750 MW Rewa Ultra Mega Solar project in Madhya Pradesh.

The Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL) joint venture set up by the Solar Energy Corporation of India and state utility Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikash Nigam Limited to develop the Rewa Ultra park, is tendering 550 MW of project capacity at Agar, 500 MW at Neemuch and 450 MW at Shajapur.

NHDC revealed its intent to participate in the Madhya Pradesh auctions by stating: “Bidding for these projects shall be done in a sequential manner and shall stop if NHDC wins any project or combination of projects in the range of 340 MW to 350 MW. [Thus] NHDC shall invest for the projects in the range of 340 MW to 350 MW.”

Bidding

The sequential nature of the company bid strategy, stated in a tender document NHDC has issued to find solar module supply partners, involves bidding for 350 MW at Agar and, if it falls short of 340 MW, pitching for 125 MW and 220 MW slices of capacity at Shajapur. If the company is still shy of its 340 MW minimum threshold, it would then target one or two 170 MW bids at Neemuch.

The open auction being held by RUMSL offers bidders the opportunity to use imported modules as well as domestic products and NHDC has cast the net globally in its search for a supplier. Bidders must, however, be on the approved list of models and manufacturers for solar cells and modules maintained by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Interested suppliers can lodge bids until November 2.

Technical criteria

The modules supplied can be mono or multi-crystalline or thin-film technology but must have at least 18% conversion efficiency and a peak power output of at least 330 Wp.

The panels should be suitable for use in PV systems with a maximum voltage of 1,500 V DC, and function under operating temperatures between -5 and 60 degrees Celsius. 

The products must be covered by a 10-year warranty and hold a 25-year linear performance guarantee for output peak watt capacity which should guarantee no less than 90% of peak output after 10 years and 80% after 25 years.