UP: CEL Issues Tender to Set Up 1.2 GWp Solar Module Manufacturing Line at Sahibabad

Central Electronics Limited (CEL), a Mini Ratna Government of India enterprise, has issued a tender seeking bids for setting up a 1.2 GWp solar module manufacturing line at CEL Sahibabad, Uttar Pradesh, on a revenue-sharing model. The tender sought bids for the project until January 15, 2026. CEL has been pushing to stay relevant as a solar module manufacturer, ever since the aborted bid to privatise the firm back in 2021.

The total available area for setting up the 1.2 GWp solar PV module manufacturing line at CEL Sahibabad is approximately 21,000 sq m, with a proposed built-up area of around 15,000 sq m. The bidder will be required to undertake a detailed survey of the land or premises provided by CEL for building the solar module manufacturing line. The site has basic facilities such as an approach road, space for installing diesel generator sets, a transformer yard, among others.

Earlier this year, Central Electronics Limited (CEL) partnered with Multi Infrastructure and Engineering Pvt. Ltd. in PPP mode to enhance its solar panel production capacity from 40 MW to 200 MW. The fully automated manufacturing facility is expected to boost CEL’s capabilities, improve product efficiency, and support India’s transition towards clean and sustainable energy. The agreement was formally signed on June 26, 2025, in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister of Science and Technology Jitendra Singh, and Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister for IT S.K. Sharma.

Scope Of Work

Under this tender, CEL is obligated to offer funding assistance of up to a maximum of Rs 25 crore, excluding GST, for the construction of the solar module manufacturing line building. Each work order would be clearly defined by the scope of work, deliverables, timelines, and commercial terms, based on the proposal submitted by CEL and accepted by the end customer.

The earmarked space for the 1.2 GWp module manufacturing line, including the existing 900 kWp ground-mounted solar power plant, will be handed over to the successful bidder on an “as is, where is” basis.

Under the six-year contract period for setting up the 1.2 GWp solar PV module line, the bidder would have to undertake manufacturing, operation, maintenance, marketing, and selling of the solar modules. The products produced from this line under this contract would be valid for six years and extended for a further period of up to three years, at the sole discretion of CEL, based on various factors such as satisfactory performance of the contract and statutory compliance.