Empowering Jammu & Kashmir: REIL Floats ₹98 Million Tender for 5 MW Rooftop Solar Project on Government Buildings

Introduction

Rajasthan Electronics and Instruments Limited (REIL), a “Mini Ratna” Central Public Sector Enterprise belonging to the Ministry of Heavy Industries, has floated a rate contract tender for the installation of a 5 MW grid-connected rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) project on state government premises in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. This effort is part of the government’s overall drive towards hastening decentralised solar installation on public infrastructure.

The tender, issued on 16 September 2025, calls for bids for the survey, design, supply of Balance of System (excluding SPV modules), erection, testing, commissioning, and five years of comprehensive operation and maintenance (O&M). The project cost is estimated to be ₹98 million (~$1.12 million), and the contract could be awarded to more than one bidder, subject to feasibility and allocation of capacity.

Who Can Apply?

REIL has specified clear eligibility criteria for prospective bidders interested in participating in the 5 MW rooftop solar project in Jammu & Kashmir. Applicants must be Class-I local suppliers registered in India, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order. Preference will be given to entities that demonstrate domestic value addition and compliance with national procurement norms.

Eligible bidders may include solar EPC contractors with prior experience in rooftop solar installations, particularly those executed on government or institutional buildings. In addition, companies or consortia must have completed similar solar projects within the last seven years. This experience must be evidenced by one of the following:

• Completion of three separate works, each representing at least 40% of the estimated value of the quoted capacity.
• Completion of two works, each representing at least 50% of the estimated value.
• Completion of one work representing at least 80% of the quoted capacity.

Beyond technical experience, applicants must also demonstrate financial and operational readiness. This includes a minimum average annual turnover of ₹5.9 million per megawatt (MW) of quoted capacity, calculated over the last three financial years, excluding other income. Additionally, bidders must have a positive net worth as of 31 March 2025, supported by audited financial statements.

Operational capacity must include the ability to undertake civil works wherever required, install bidirectional or smart meters, and deliver SCADA-based monitoring systems as part of the project scope.

Furthermore, Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) are exempt from submitting the Earnest Money Deposit (EMD), provided they furnish a valid UDYAM registration certificate along with a bid securing declaration in the prescribed format.

How to Apply?

Interested bidders must follow a single-stage, two-envelope system, submitting technical and financial proposals separately via the REIL e-tender portal. The process includes:

To bid for the RC, the bidders must download the complete RC document and get themselves registered on the portal. The RC contains a proper bid procedure, qualification requirements, scope of work, and annexure. 

Requests for clarifications and queries shall be submitted by 22 September 2025, and the replies must be given officially by 30 September 2025. A pre-bid conference shall be conducted on 23 September 2025, both offline physically at REIL Jaipur and online. 

The final bids must be submitted before 7 October 2025, 17:00 hours. The opening of techno-commercial bids will take place on 8 October 2025, while the opening of financial bids will be carried out later for those bidders who qualified technically. 

Earnest Money Deposit or EMD ₹392,000, per MW of quoted capacity, must be an EMD deposited through a bank guarantee, an insurance surety bond, a demand draft, a fixed deposit receipt, or a banker’s cheque. The EMD must be valid for 90 days after the deadline of the bid. 

Performance Bank Guarantee-Bank Guarantee for Performance: The successful bidder has to furnish a Performance Bank Guarantee of 3% of the actual awarded contract value within 21 days of the award. This PBG shall remain valid for 60 months after completion of the project, with a claim period of 30 days after that. 

Conclusion

This tender is an opportunity for eligible solar engineering firms to participate in the clean energy transition of Jammu & Kashmir. It aims at reducing grid dependence, reducing government energy bills, and aiding India’s national renewable energy goals by installing rooftop solar systems on government properties.

With a focus on performance reliability and digital integration, the project shall include smart metering, SCADA automation, and long-term O&M obligations. The tender is a transparent bidding avenue for multi-party participation and is expected to attract serious players in the industry capable of delivering high-quality solar infrastructure per public procurement norms. Interested bidders are, therefore, encouraged to review the official tender document and keep monitoring any updates on the REIL e-tender portal.

FAQs

1. Why is the REIL tender in Jammu & Kashmir issued?

The tender solicits rate contract offers for design, installation, and maintenance of a 5 MW grid-connected rooftop solar plant on government offices in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The project promotes decentralised solar adoption and helps India meet its renewable energy goal.

2. For whom is this tender issued?

Eligible bidders are Class-I local suppliers who are registered in India, solar EPC contractors with rooftop installation experience on government or institutional buildings, and consortia that satisfy technical and financial qualifications. Successful completion of similar projects in the previous seven years is required.

3. What are the experience requirements for bidders?

Bidders need to show relevant experience within the last seven years, meeting one of these thresholds: three projects at 40% each, two projects at 50% each, or one project at 80% of the quoted capacity’s estimated value. This ensures technical capability and reliable execution for public sector standards.

4. What financial criteria must bidders meet?

Applicants must have a minimum average annual turnover of ₹5.9 million per MW over the last three financial years, excluding other income. They must also have a positive net worth as of 31 March 2025, supported by audited financial statements.

5. What is the work included in this tender?

The work includes site survey, system design, supply of balance of system (excluding SPV modules), erection, testing, commissioning, and comprehensive operation and maintenance for five years. It also includes civil works, installation of bidirectional or smart meters, and SCADA-based monitoring systems.

6. What is the project cost and duration estimated?

The project cost is estimated at ₹98 million (~$1.12 million). The bids should be received on or before 7 October 2025, and opened on 8 October 2025. The project timeline shall be specified in the contract entered into with successful bidders.

7. Whether Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) are eligible for exemption?

Yes. MSEs do not need to submit the Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) if they submit a valid UDYAM registration certificate and a bid securing declaration in the prescribed format.

8. What are the penalties for delays in commissioning the project?

Any failure in commissioning will earn liquidated damages equivalent to 5% of the overall contract value. Prompt completion is an important stipulation under the contract conditions.

9. How do bidders have to submit their applications?

Applications should be filed through REIL’s official e-tender portal utilising a single-stage, two-envelope mechanism. This involves the independent submission of technical and financial bids and all the documents required.

10. Where can bidders obtain the official tender document?

The entire tender document, such as scope, eligibility, annexures, and guidelines for submission, can be found on the REIL’s e-tender portal. Tenderers are requested to see Tender Reference No. REIL/JK-RTPV/2025 and watch the portal for notifications and clarifications.