Central Electronics Limited (CEL), a Government of India enterprise under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science & Technology, has released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the selection of a bidder to set up a 200 MWp solar module manufacturing line at its Sahibabad facility. This project is part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative and will be developed on a revenue-sharing model.

Interested bidders are invited to submit their proposals online, and the process will follow a two-packet system—technical and financial bids. The tender is open to all eligible parties and falls under the ‘works’ category. The form of contract is auction-based, and all payments are to be made online.

To participate, companies must first sign and submit a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) online. The last date to submit the NDA is April 30, 2025, by 11:00 AM. After that, from May 2, 2025, the bid submission process will begin. The last date for submitting bids is May 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM. The technical bids will also be opened on the same day and time.

A pre-bid meeting will be held at CEL Sahibabad on May 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM. This meeting is intended to clarify any queries potential bidders may have. The date for opening financial bids and conducting the live forward auction will be informed to the qualified bidders after the technical evaluation.

To ensure seriousness and avoid casual participation, CEL has made it mandatory for all bidders to deposit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of ₹12,00,000 (twelve lakh rupees) through NEFT or RTGS only. There will be no exemptions for the EMD, and proof of payment must be submitted with the technical bid.

All bids must be submitted online only, and CEL has mentioned that no offline documents will be accepted under any circumstances. The entire process is designed to be transparent and efficient, supporting the Indian government’s push for domestic manufacturing and self-reliance in solar technology.

The project is expected to support India’s renewable energy goals by boosting the domestic production capacity of solar modules. By inviting private players to participate in a revenue-sharing model, CEL aims to encourage innovation and cost-efficiency while also generating revenue for both the company and the selected bidder.

This tender offers a significant opportunity for solar manufacturers to establish a large-scale production line in collaboration with a central government organization. The project aligns with national priorities and encourages active participation in the growth of India’s solar manufacturing ecosystem.