Odisha Plans 7-Yr CMC, Storm-Resistant Rooftop Solar in Govt Sector

The Odisha government has now planned to ensure a longer Comprehensive Maintenance Contract (CMC) for grid-connected rooftop solar systems. In addition to this, the state government has also planned to make these systems resilient to cyclonic storms. The state has planned these norms for the rooftop solar connections destined for government buildings.

In a latest move in this regard, the Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) has issued a tender for the empanelment of vendors for the installation of on-grid rooftop solar systems in various government buildings across India. These arrangements have been planned under a rate contract basis.

Unlike the conventional five-year CMC regime, OREDA has planned a CMC for seven years, increasing the onus on vendors for maintenance over an extended period.

“The Scope of Work shall be for empanelment of agencies for Design, Engineering, Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of Rooftop Solar PV On-grid systems in various capacities at different government buildings/institutions/offices across Odisha along with comprehensive maintenance of Seven (7) years on a rate contract basis,” the OREDA tender said.

Cyclone Resilient Structures

Odisha, which has faced a series of cyclonic storms due to its proximity to the Bay of Bengal, has also planned to ensure that solar mounting structures can withstand strong winds to prevent the destruction of solar projects.

“The indicative drawing and design of a module mounting structure that can withstand a wind speed up to 200 km per hour has been provided at SOW Clause 3.3.1.2. However, depending on the actual site conditions, the Successful Bidder may propose a change in the design of module mounting structures with due certification from a chartered engineer with regards to quality, durability and wind resistance capability for the abovementioned speed and install the same only after getting due approval from the Authorized Representative of OREDA,” the tender said.

The importance of cyclone resilient structures in Odisha poses significance as the state is prone to cyclones and has witnessed several cyclones like Fani, Bulbul, Phailin, Titli and Hudud, among others. While some were minor, several had severe intensity. This tender with these mandates have come to the fore when several rooftop solar structures in India have seen damages, blowing away due to stromng winds and weak solar structures. 

The last date for the submission of bids is October 10.

Current Rooftop Solar Capacity 

As per the latest information received from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Odisha has a total installed capacity of 3 GW (including hydro projects). The share of solar energy in the state stands at 727.24 MW. Out of this, the share of rooftop solar connections in the state stands at 110.4 MW, which is around 15% of the total solar capacity.