Up Plans To Install Hybrid Rooftop Solar In Govt Buildings, Issues Tender

Uttar Pradesh is planning to install 2.5 MW of hybrid rooftop solar power systems across government buildings, with the state’s renewable energy agency inviting bids for the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the projects.

The tender, issued by the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA), covers hybrid rooftop solar plants ranging from 1 kW to 75 kW. The projects will be implemented under a five-year comprehensive warranty and maintenance arrangement. 

Multiple Categories

The hybrid segment has been divided into three categories. Category A covers systems from 1 kW to 10 kW with a cumulative capacity of 1 MW, Category B covers 11 kW to 50 kW systems totalling 1 MW, while Category C covers 51 kW to 75 kW systems with a cumulative capacity of 0.5 MW. 

The estimated cost for the three categories is ₹10.34 crore, ₹9.62 crore and ₹4.70 crore, respectively, taking the estimated value of the hybrid segment to about ₹24.66 crore. 

Battery storage mandatory

Unlike conventional grid-connected rooftop solar systems, the projects specified under the tender will include battery storage and hybrid inverters.

UPNEDA has specified lithium ferro phosphate (LiFePO4/LFP) batteries for the systems. The batteries must provide a minimum 90% depth of discharge and more than 3,000 cycles under the specified test conditions. The tender also requires a minimum seven-year warranty for the LFP batteries. 

The tender prescribes a minimum battery energy capacity of 3,840 Wh for every kW of solar plant capacity. For instance, a 1 kW hybrid rooftop plant would require a minimum 3,840 Wh battery, while a 2 kW plant would require at least 7,680 Wh of battery capacity. 

This makes battery storage a core component of the proposed hybrid rooftop installations rather than an optional addition.

Hybrid systems to provide backup during grid outages

According to the technical specifications, the hybrid solar PV system will combine crystalline silicon PV modules, a hybrid inverter, battery storage and the associated electrical and protection equipment.

The hybrid inverter is required to export surplus solar power to the grid when the grid is available. In the event of a grid failure, it must disconnect from the grid and operate in island mode, allowing the system to supply the load using available solar and battery power. 

The inverter specification also requires automatic start-up and synchronisation, MPPT capability, grid-interconnection protections, islanding protection and communication interfaces including RS485/RS232/Wi-Fi. 

The tender specifies inverter output configurations of 415 V, 50 Hz, three-phase or 230 V, 50 Hz, single-phase, depending on the application. 

Government buildings to receive distributed systems

The tender is structured around multiple small rooftop installations rather than a single large solar project. The three hybrid categories together represent 2.5 MW of distributed rooftop capacity across government buildings in Uttar Pradesh. 

The scope includes the complete system, covering PV modules, hybrid inverter, mounting structures, junction boxes, batteries, cabling, earthing and lightning protection, as well as remote monitoring. 

The selected contractor will also be responsible for operation and maintenance. The tender provides for a five-year comprehensive maintenance period, while the battery warranty requirement extends to at least seven years.  

Eligibility requirements

UPNEDA has prescribed separate experience and financial eligibility requirements for each project category. Bidders for Category A and Category B need to demonstrate at least 300 kW of relevant previous performance, while Category C requires 150 kW.

The corresponding average annual turnover requirements are ₹3.10 crore for Category A, ₹2.89 crore for Category B and ₹1.41 crore for Category C. 

The tender also requires bidders to demonstrate previous experience in the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of rooftop solar systems, including battery backup for the specified capacities.  The projects are scheduled for completion within four months from the date of issuance of the work order.