CEL invites bids to set up 1.2 GWp solar PV module manufacturing line

Central Electronics Limited (CEL), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Enterprise under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for selecting a bidder to establish a 1.2 GWp solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing line at its Sahibabad facility. The project will be developed under a revenue-sharing model as part of the Make in India initiative.

The selected bidder will design, construct, commission, operate, maintain, and market the manufacturing line. The initial contract period is six years, with a possible extension of up to three years at CEL’s discretion.

The project involves setting up a fully automated 1.2 GWp solar PV module manufacturing line at the CEL Sahibabad premises in Uttar Pradesh. The site spans about 21,000 square meters with a proposed built-up area of 15,000 square meters. The bidder will construct the manufacturing building. CEL will provide funding support of up to Rs. 25 Crores, excluding GST, for building construction and relocation of an existing 900 kilowatt peak (kWp) ground-mounted solar plant to the new rooftop.

The bid submission deadline is January 15, 2026. Technical bids will open on January 16, 2026, and financial bids will open after technical evaluation.

The commercial structure will follow a forward auction. The financial bid has a reserve price of Rs. 0.25 per watt peak (Wp). The highest bidder in the forward auction will be selected. The bidder will pay CEL revenue share based on the quoted rate per watt of modules sold or a guaranteed minimum annual payment. The guaranteed payment starts at Rs. 15 Crores in Year 1 and increases to Rs. 18 Crores annually in later years.

The bidder will bear all capital expenditure for manufacturing equipment and all operation and maintenance costs. All products and services from the line will be marketed exclusively through CEL to end customers. The bidder will secure statutory approvals and certifications, including the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).

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