ITI Limited, a public sector undertaking under the Department of Telecommunication, has issued a tender to establish a 500 MW fully automatic solar photovoltaic (SPV) module manufacturing line on a turnkey basis.
The facility will be set up at ITI Prayagraj unit in Uttar Pradesh. Interested parties must submit their bids by January 23, 2024.
Key Features of the Project
Supply, installation, and commissioning: The project encompasses the supply, installation, and commissioning of the SPV manufacturing line, process optimization, and a minimum five-year warranty. It also includes designing the facility layout and training personnel for operations and maintenance.
Phased implementation plan: Initial Setup: A 250 MW fully automatic SPV manufacturing line will be installed in the first phase, with plans to scale up to 500 MW in the future.
Existing Line Upgrade: The tender also covers upgrading ITI’s current 18 MW semi-automatic SPV manufacturing line to a 50 MW fully automatic line. This scope involves installation, commissioning, process optimization, and a two-year warranty.
The estimated cost of the project is ₹650 million.
Submission Guidelines and Requirements
- Earnest money deposit: Bidders must submit an earnest money deposit (EMD) of ₹13 million along with their proposals.
- Delivery timeline: The selected bidder must deliver, install, and commission the first set of equipment within seven months of receiving the purchase order.
- Technical Specifications: A trial production run must yield a minimum of 500 kW of SPV modules.
- The solar cell breakage rate must not exceed 0.2% across the manufacturing line.
- The bidder must provide golden solar cells for calibration and certified laboratory equipment for testing.
Maintenance and Training
They must supply three sets of toolboxes. A maintenance official must be available round-the-clock for a five-year period. The contractor will train ITI personnel in operations and maintenance.
Payment Terms
Payments will be processed through an irrevocable letter of credit with a 90-day usance period, divided as follows:
- 50% upon supply of equipment.
- 40% after installation and commissioning.
- 10% against a performance bank guarantee.
Priority for Local Suppliers
In alignment with the Make in India initiative, Class 1 and Class 2 local suppliers will receive preference. Class 1 suppliers must ensure at least 50% local content. Class 2 suppliers must ensure a minimum of 20% local content.
Eligibility Criteria for Bidders
To qualify, bidders must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of similar projects in India in the past five years, meeting one of these thresholds:
- Three projects of at least 200 MW each.
- Two projects of 250 MW each.
- One project of 400 MW.
A positive net worth for the previous financial year, verified by an auditor’s certificate. An average annual turnover of at least ₹200 million over the last three financial years.
As reported by renewablewatch.in, the tender presents a significant opportunity for industry players to contribute to India’s renewable energy goals while advancing domestic manufacturing capabilities.
