BoS contract rolled out for NTPC’s 900 MW solar facility

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A new tender has been put forward by NTPC Renewable Energy Limited, calling for bids to deliver the Balance of System (BoS) package for a large-scale, grid-connected solar installation in Kurnool. The planned capacity totals 900 MW, divided into two segments of 500 MW and 400 MW, with submissions due by 5 June 2026.

Rather than limiting the contractor’s involvement, the brief assigns comprehensive responsibility across nearly the entire project lifecycle. The successful bidder will oversee everything from detailed design and engineering through to procurement, logistics, installation, testing and final commissioning. The only major exclusion from this remit is the provision of solar modules themselves.

Preparation of the site forms a substantial part of the assignment. This includes levelling the land, clearing vegetation, and carrying out both topographical mapping and geotechnical assessments. Next comes the structural work, building foundations and installing the tracker-based mounting systems, and then placing modules and electrically linking them together; the contractor also will need to ensure that key construction utilities, such as water and power, are in place during the build period. Beyond the core installation, the package extends to all supporting infrastructure needed for grid integration. This encompasses civil and electrical systems such as transformers, control panels, protection equipment, cabling, and metering at the 33 kV level. Responsibility also covers internal power evacuation up to the main-pool switchgear at the developer’s substation.

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Financial thresholds have been defined according to the scale of participation. Those bidding for the 400 MW portion must demonstrate access to at least INR 71 crore (USD 8.5 million approx), while the 500 MW section requires INR 88.75 crore (USD 9.5 million approx). For parties intending to undertake the full 900 MW capacity, the minimum financial eligibility rises to INR 159.75 crore (USD16.7 million). Experience criteria are also stipulated: referenced projects must have been operational for a minimum of one year if they fall outside the renewable sector, or six months if they are within solar or wind.

This tender comes amid continued solar expansion in Andhra Pradesh. For instance, SAEL Industries has recently initiated operations at a 600 MW solar facility in the same district. Developed through its subsidiaries, SAEL Solar MHP1 Pvt Ltd and SAEL Solar MHP2 Pvt Ltd, the project comprises two equal 300 MW units.

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Occupying more than 2,400 acres, that installation feeds electricity directly into the national grid. It is backed by a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Solar Energy Corporation of India, which provides long-term certainty in revenue generation.