MAHAGENCO Invites EPC Bids for 300 MW Solar Projects in Maharashtra

Background and Context

The Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (MAHAGENCO) has officially launched its Phase-II solar expansion initiative, inviting bids for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of 300 MW of solar capacity. This move aligns with the broader national push for renewable energy, following a record-breaking year in 2025 where India added 36.6 GW of solar capacity, marking a 43% increase over the previous year.

Key Details

The tender requires projects to be implemented in minimum blocks of 25 MW at a single location, with a maximum of four locations permitted. The scope of work is comprehensive, covering the entire lifecycle from design, engineering, and manufacturing to installation, testing, and commissioning. Successful bidders will also be responsible for 10 years of operation and maintenance (O&M) for the solar plant, switchyard, and associated transmission infrastructure.

Financial and technical prerequisites are stringent. Bidders must demonstrate a minimum net worth of ₹12.5 million per MW, an average annual turnover of ₹25 million per MW over the last three financial years, and a minimum working capital of ₹2.5 million per MW. Technical eligibility requires experience in ground-mounted solar projects or balance-of-system (BOS) commissioning, specifically citing a cumulative capacity of at least 30% of the quoted capacity, including at least one operational 15 MW project running for a minimum of six months.

What This Means for EPCs and Developers

For EPC contractors, this tender represents a structured opportunity to engage with a state utility under clear technical guidelines. The requirement for interconnection at 33 kV and above, with metering at Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company (MSETCL) substations, necessitates robust grid-integration expertise. Contractors must factor in the long-term O&M commitment, which spans a decade, into their financial modeling and pricing strategies.

What Happens Next

Bidders are required to submit their proposals by April 21, 2026, the same date on which the bids will be opened. Interested parties must ensure all administrative requirements are met, including the EMD of ₹100,000 per MW, the tender fee of ₹25,000, and the vendor registration fee of ₹5,000. Given the scale and the specific site-block constraints, developers will likely focus on securing land parcels that meet the 25 MW minimum capacity threshold while ensuring proximity to existing STU substations to optimize evacuation costs.