Potaliya Petrochemicals and Kishan Infrastructure Secure SECI 17.77 MW Rooftop Solar Tender

Background and Context

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has concluded its auction for the installation of grid-connected rooftop solar projects across government buildings in the Union Territory of Puducherry. Originally floated in September 2025, the tender underwent a significant capacity expansion, moving from an initial 13,043 kW to 17,768 kW. This initiative aligns with the broader national objective of accelerating solar adoption within public sector institutions to reduce grid dependency and lower electricity expenditures.

Key Details

Potaliya Petrochemicals emerged as the primary winner, securing 15 MW of the total capacity. Kishan Infrastructure Industries was awarded the remaining 2.768 MW. Both entities secured the projects at a tariff of ₹4.11 (~$0.0434)/kWh. The scope of work is comprehensive, covering the entire project lifecycle, including design, engineering, erection, testing, and commissioning. Furthermore, the developers are mandated to provide operations and maintenance (O&M) services for the duration of the power purchase agreement (PPA).

Technical requirements are stringent; developers must ensure that all solar modules utilized in the project are sourced from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List I. Additionally, the developers hold full responsibility for securing net metering, grid connectivity, and all necessary permits and insurance. The project also mandates a specific Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) performance: developers must maintain a CUF within +10% and -15% of the declared value for the first 10 years, with a minimum annual floor of 15%. Post-10 years, the tolerance shifts to +10% and -20% until the PPA concludes.

What This Means for EPCs and Developers

For EPC contractors, this project underscores the importance of operational efficiency and compliance with government-mandated technical standards. The responsibility for transmission infrastructure up to the interconnection point requires contractors to have robust grid-integration capabilities. Developers must factor in the long-term O&M obligations and the performance-linked CUF requirements when calculating project IRR, as these directly impact the financial viability of the PPA.

What Happens Next

Following the award, the developers will move into the execution phase, focusing on site surveys and procurement of ALMM-compliant modules. SECI continues to be a key driver in the rooftop solar segment, as evidenced by recent awards in other states. Industry participants should monitor upcoming SECI tenders, as the government continues to leverage the rooftop segment to meet its renewable energy targets across various institutional portfolios.