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Chennai Port Authority Seeks Developer for 2 MW Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar Project

The Chennai Port Authority has invited bids for the development of a 2 MW grid-connected rooftop solar power project to be installed on its EXIM godown facilities in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

The project will be implemented across four locations—EXIM Godowns 1, 2, 3, and 4—within the port premises. Interested bidders must submit their proposals by December 31, 2025.

Under the tender, the selected developer will be responsible for the entire project lifecycle, including site assessment, planning, system design, engineering, procurement and supply of equipment, as well as installation, testing, and commissioning of the rooftop solar systems.

The scope of work also includes obtaining all statutory approvals, executing the necessary civil and electrical works, and ensuring grid connectivity. In addition, the successful bidder will undertake operations and maintenance of the solar project for a period of 25 years from the date of commissioning.

The cumulative installed capacity will be 2 MW, based on grid-connected rooftop solar technology using crystalline silicon modules. The port authority will provide access to the rooftops of the four EXIM godowns for project execution.

Grid interconnection will be at the 11 kV level, with power stepped up from low voltage through a transformer. Metering will be conducted at the 11 kV side using both a net meter and a generation meter.

To qualify, bidders must have prior experience in rooftop solar deployment. This includes completion of at least one grid-connected rooftop solar project of a minimum capacity of 1.6 MW along with O&M, or alternatively, two projects of 1 MW each, or three projects of 0.8 MW each.

The power purchase agreement will have a tenure of 25 years. The tender also specifies a minimum guaranteed annual energy generation of 280,000 units, which the developer must achieve over the contract period.

The project is required to be completed within nine months from the date of issuance of the letter of award. Solar modules deployed under the project must comply with the latest IEC or equivalent BIS standards, and modules with capacities below 600 Wp will not be permitted.

India’s rooftop solar market has witnessed strong growth in 2025. According to Mercom India’s Q3 2025 India Rooftop Solar Market Report, the country added a record 4.9 GW of rooftop solar capacity during the first nine months of the year—an increase of nearly 161% compared to the same period in 2024.