What's Happening?
Central Electronics Limited (CEL), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Science & Technology, has issued a tender for establishing a 1.2 GWp Solar PV Module Manufacturing Line at its Sahibabad facility. This project is part of the 'Make in India' initiative and will operate on a revenue-sharing model. The facility will feature advanced technologies such as Mono PERC and TOPCON. CEL will provide 21,000 square meters of land and funding assistance up to ₹25 Crores for construction and relocation of an existing solar plant. The selected bidder will supply machinery, utilities, and manpower, managing the facility for an initial six-year period, extendable by three years. Financially, the bidder must pay CEL a minimum annual
charge starting at ₹15 Crores, increasing to ₹18 Crores over five years. Only domestic bidders meeting specific financial criteria can participate, with a mandatory Earnest Money Deposit of ₹50,00,000 required.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is significant for India's renewable energy sector, aligning with the government's push to enhance domestic solar manufacturing capacity. By fostering local production, the project aims to reduce dependency on imports, support technological advancements, and create jobs. The revenue-sharing model ensures sustainable financial returns for CEL while promoting innovation in solar technology. The project also underscores the government's commitment to the 'Make in India' program, which seeks to boost domestic manufacturing across various sectors. The successful implementation of this project could serve as a model for future renewable energy initiatives in India.
What's Next?
The bidding process will follow a two-packet system, with key dates including the release of the Request for Proposal on December 26, 2025, and a pre-bid meeting on January 5, 2026. The deadline for bid submission is January 15, 2026, with technical bid opening on January 16, 2026. The financial bid opening will occur post-technical evaluation. CEL encourages bidders to visit the Sahibabad site to understand project requirements. The outcome of this tender could influence future policy decisions and investment in India's solar manufacturing sector.
