Central Electronics Tenders 4 MW Solar Projects for IIT Kharagpur

Central Electronics Limited (CEL) has recently issued a tender for the establishment of a 4.125 MW grid-connected solar power project at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, located in West Bengal. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance renewable energy capacity in educational institutions across India.

Project Overview

The solar installations will consist of:

• 2,900 kW of rooftop solar projects
• 225 kW of ground-mounted projects elevated on structures designed for car parking
• 1,000 kW of ground-mounted projects at a standard height

The ground-mounted components will be situated at the Balarampur Pump House within the IIT Kharagpur campus, which benefits from a dedicated power supply from the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company at the 11 kV level. Currently, IIT Kharagpur has an existing solar generation capacity of approximately 5,000 kW.

Tender Submission Details

Bidders interested in participating in this tender must submit their proposals by January 10, 2026. The opening of the bids is scheduled for January 12, 2026. Each bidder is required to furnish an earnest money deposit of ₹2.25 million (approximately $25,065.45) to ensure their commitment to the project.

Scope of Work

The scope of work for the selected bidders includes:

• Design and engineering of the solar projects
• Supply of balance-of-system components and solar modules
• Procurement, installation, and commissioning of the solar projects
• Provision of a transformer and vacuum circuit breaker (VCB) at both the project location and the power evacuation point
• Construction of electrical equipment housing
• Possibility of constructing an outdoor compact substation instead of individual transformers, VCBs, and low-tension switchgear
• Execution of civil works
• Obtaining net metering and grid connectivity
• Securing a no-objection certificate from the distribution company for the grid connection
• Acquiring all necessary permits, approvals, licenses, and insurance for the project

Technology and Compliance

The solar projects will be technology agnostic, meaning that bidders can propose various technologies as long as they comply with the requirements set forth. Only components that are listed in List I of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers will be permitted for use in the project.

Project Timeline and Penalties

All projects must be completed by May 30, 2026. It is important to note that any delays in commissioning will incur liquidated damages at a rate of 0.5% of the tender value per week, capped at a maximum of 5% of the total project value.

Eligibility Criteria for Bidders

To qualify for bidding, interested parties must meet the following criteria:

• Completion of similar works for at least one solar project of 2 MW capacity or a solar water pumping system within the last three financial years
• A minimum average turnover of ₹50 million (approximately $557,010) in the previous three financial years

Previous Initiatives

In December 2025, the Solar Energy Corporation of India also invited bids for a 4.12 MW cumulative capacity solar power project within the IIT Kharagpur campus (Zone III) under the renewable energy service company model. This reflects a growing trend towards increasing the solar power footprint in educational institutions across India.

Conclusion

The tender for the 4 MW solar projects at IIT Kharagpur represents a significant step towards enhancing renewable energy infrastructure in India’s educational sector. As the country continues to push for sustainable energy solutions, projects like these will play a crucial role in meeting energy demands while promoting environmental sustainability.

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