Introduction
The SECI 700 MW ISTS‑connected solar PV tender has been floated by the Solar Energy Corporation of India to develop up to 700 MW of solar photovoltaic capacity in SEZ and EOU zones. This competitive EPC bid allows developers to secure blocks from 50 MW to the full 700 MW in 10 MW increments, with an online submission deadline of 5 Oct 2026. A mandatory earnest money deposit of eight lakh rupees per megawatt and strict financial eligibility criteria are required. The article explains the tender timeline, eligibility rules, financial guarantees, and the broader impact on the renewable energy market.
What Does the Data Reveal About This Topic?
The data reveals that SECI is targeting a sizeable 700 MW of solar capacity through a single competitive bid, with each successful bidder required to deliver between 50 MW and 700 MW in defined increments. The tender emphasizes ISTS connectivity at a minimum 220 kV sub‑station, a cumulative availability factor (CUF) of at least 25 %, and strict cyber‑security compliance. Financial eligibility is quantified as a net‑worth of ₹80 lakh per MW, turnover of ₹37.25 lakh per MW, and a line of credit of ₹79.31 lakh per MW, all certified by a chartered accountant for FY 2025‑26. These parameters together ensure that only financially robust entities can participate.
Tender Structure and Financial Requirements
The SECI tender structures the project into a single EPC contract covering up to 700 MW, with bidders able to claim capacity in 10 MW increments starting from a minimum of 50 MW. All land acquisition, regulatory approvals, and grid connectivity to the ISTS sub‑station are to be handled by the successful bidder at its own cost. A bid security of eight lakh rupees per megawatt must be submitted as a bank guarantee, performance surety, or letter of intent, valid for twelve months plus a thirty‑day claim period. Additional processing fees of ₹20 lakh plus GST are compulsory. Financial screening demands a net‑worth of ₹80 lakh per MW, turnover of ₹37.25 lakh per MW, PBDIT of ₹27.45 lakh per MW, and a line of credit of ₹79.31 lakh per MW for FY 2025‑26, all verified by an auditor.
Impact on Sectors and Industries
The announced 700 MW solar PV tender is expected to stimulate growth across multiple sectors. Renewable energy developers gain a large, bank‑backed project pipeline, encouraging investment in solar manufacturing, EPC services, and O&M contracts. The requirement for ISTS connectivity pushes transmission infrastructure upgrades, benefiting the power transmission industry. Local economies in SEZ and EOU zones stand to receive jobs in construction, land development, and ancillary services. Policymakers can leverage the project to meet national renewable targets, while investors observe a clear revenue stream backed by SECI’s power purchase agreements, enhancing confidence in the Indian solar market.
Key Takeaways
- SECI offers up to 700 MW of ISTS‑connected solar PV under a single EPC tender.
- Bids must be submitted online by 5 Oct 2026 with a security of ₹8 lakh per MW.
- Minimum project size is 50 MW, scalable in 10 MW increments to the full 700 MW.
- Financial eligibility requires net‑worth, turnover and credit thresholds per MW for FY 2025‑26.
- Mandatory ISTS connectivity at ≥220 kV, CUF ≥25 % and cyber‑security compliance.
- Successful bidders bear all land, approval and grid‑connection costs, delivering power to SECI.
FAQs
What is the deadline for submitting bids for the SECI 700 MW solar tender?
Bids must be submitted online by 5 Oct 2026, 18:00 IST.
How much bid security is required per megawatt?
An earnest money deposit of eight lakh rupees per MW, provided as a bank guarantee, POI or surety bond, is mandatory.
What are the minimum financial eligibility criteria for bidders?
Bidders need a net‑worth of ₹80 lakh per MW, turnover of ₹37.25 lakh per MW, PBDIT of ₹27.45 lakh per MW and a line of credit of ₹79.31 lakh per MW for FY 2025‑26, certified by a chartered accountant.
Can a bidder choose a capacity less than 50 MW?
No, the tender specifies a minimum project size of 50 MW, with increments of 10 MW thereafter.
Which connectivity standards must the project meet?
Projects must connect to an ISTS sub‑station at a minimum voltage of 220 kV and meet a cumulative availability factor of at least 25 % along with cyber‑security norms.