Solar Power Plants Tenders in India 2026: Market Opportunities, Key Buyers & How to Win
India is the world's third-largest solar market and the fastest-growing, adding a record 44.6 GW of solar capacity in FY 2025–26 alone, according to IndexBox (2026 data). The country's installed solar capacity stood at 143.6 GW as of February 2026, with 42.5 GW of new capacity expected to be added in 2026, driven by government auctions, CPSE-led projects, and PM Surya Ghar rooftop mandates. For EPC contractors, equipment suppliers, O&M service providers, and solar developers, this pipeline translates into a continuous and high-value stream of government procurement tenders. TenderDekho currently lists 26 active solar power plants tenders, spanning ground-mounted utility-scale plants, rooftop systems on government buildings, and hybrid solar-plus-storage projects across India.
Market Snapshot
| Indicator | Data | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Installed Solar Capacity | 143.6 GW (February 2026) | IBEF |
| Capacity Added FY 2025–26 | 44.6 GW (record high) | IndexBox |
| EPC Cost per MW | ₹3.5–4.5 crore / MW (2026) | IndexBox |
| Active Tenders | 26+ (as of May 2026) | TenderDekho |
| Top Issuing Agency | SECI / NTPC REL | Mercom India |
This guide covers the full solar power plants tender landscape — market context, top buyers, tender types, state-wise distribution, eligibility, and a 30-day action plan to start bidding.
Browse active solar power plants tenders to explore live procurement opportunities across India.
Market Overview & Growth Potential
Current Landscape
India's solar energy installed capacity reached 122.5 GW in 2025 and is projected to grow to 348.57 GW by 2031, at a compound annual growth rate of 19.05%, according to Mordor Intelligence (2026 data). The ground-mounted solar EPC market alone is valued at USD 8–12 billion (approximately ₹67,000–1,00,000 crores) in 2026, growing at 12–16% CAGR through 2035, per IndexBox (2026 data). Total EPC prices for ground-mounted solar have compressed to approximately ₹3.5–4.5 crore per MW in 2026, driven by record-low module prices and competitive bidding, making projects more financially viable than ever for developers and contractors.
Government agencies issued nearly 6 GW of solar tenders in Q1 2026, almost double the capacity issued in Q4 2025, according to Mercom India (2026 data). The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has disbursed ₹17,967.53 crore in Central Financial Assistance as of March 2026, targeting rooftop solar installations in one crore households by 2026–27, according to IBEF (2026 data). This creates a parallel procurement stream for smaller EPC contractors and MSME vendors alongside the large utility-scale auction market.
Key Growth Drivers
1. India's 500 GW Renewable Energy Target by 2030
- What it means: India must add approximately 250 GW of additional capacity from the current 520 GW total installed capacity — the bulk of it solar — to meet its 2030 renewable target, ensuring a decade-long procurement pipeline.
- Data point: India's total installed power capacity reached 520.51 GW as of January 2026, with non-fossil fuel sources already exceeding 51.93% of the total mix, according to IBEF (2026 data).
2. PM Surya Ghar & Government Building Solarisation
- What it means: Every government building, institution, and PSU is under mandate to solarise — CPWD, Indian Railways, Defence, and municipal bodies are all issuing tenders for rooftop solar plants ranging from 50 kWp to several MWp.
- Data point: Over 9.56 GW of rooftop solar capacity was installed under PM Surya Ghar as of March 2026, with 26.19 lakh systems commissioned as of March 19, 2026, according to IBEF (2026 data).
3. PLI Scheme & Domestic Manufacturing Push (ALMM)
- What it means: The Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) mandates the use of domestically listed solar modules in government tenders, creating a parallel supply-chain procurement opportunity for ALMM-compliant module manufacturers.
- Data point: Two PLI tranches are underwriting more than 48 GW of integrated cell-to-module capacity scheduled to come online by 2026, according to Mordor Intelligence (2026 data).
4. Solar + Storage (Hybrid & FDRE) Tenders
- What it means: Round-the-clock (RTC) and firm dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) tenders now require co-located battery energy storage systems (BESS), opening a new high-value EPC segment.
- Data point: Hybrid solar + storage EPC projects represent 8–12% of the market in 2026, driven by tenders requiring 4–6 hours of battery storage for peak evening demand, according to IndexBox (2026 data).
Year-on-Year Market Projection
| Year | Installed Solar Capacity (GW) | Ground-Mounted EPC (₹ Crores est.) | YoY Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 90 (Est.) | 45,000 | — |
| 2025 | 122.5 | 67,000 | 36% |
| 2026 (Est.) | 145.8 | 75,000 | 12% |
| 2028 (Proj.) | 200 | 95,000 | 15% |
| 2031 (Proj.) | 348.6 | 1,40,000 | 19% |
Source: Mordor Intelligence, India Solar Energy Market Report, 2026; IndexBox, India Ground-Mounted Solar EPC Market, 2026
This trajectory creates one of the most sustained procurement pipelines in India's infrastructure history, spanning utility-scale parks, rooftop systems, O&M contracts, and hybrid projects across every state.
Major Tender-Issuing Organizations
Solar power plant tenders are issued by a uniquely diverse set of central agencies, CPSEs, railways, defence bodies, and state DISCOMs. Knowing who issues what — and on which portal — is critical for targeting the right bids.
Top Departments & Organizations
| Rank | Organization | Sector | Tender Type | Typical Scale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SECI (Solar Energy Corp. of India) | Central / Renewable | Utility-scale auctions, BoS | 50 MW–2,000 MW |
| 2 | NTPC REL / NGEL | Central PSU | EPC, BoS, module supply | 200 MW–2,100 MW |
| 3 | State DISCOMs (TANGEDCO, PSPCL, GUVNL etc.) | State | Developer selection, rooftop | 10 MW–500 MW |
| 4 | CPWD | Central Govt. | Rooftop solar, govt. buildings | 50 kWp–5 MWp |
| 5 | Indian Railways (Zonal) | Central / Transport | Rooftop, ground-mounted at stations | 1 MW–30 MW |
| 6 | Ministry of Defence / MES | Central / Defence | Captive solar, O&M | 1 MW–50 MW |
| 7 | CPSEs (NHPC, Coal India, EESL, SJVN) | Central PSU | EPC, floating solar, O&M | 10 MW–150 MW |
1. Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI)
SECI is the primary central implementing agency for India's solar mission. It issues tariff-based competitive bidding tenders for large utility-scale ground-mounted and hybrid projects on a pan-India basis, and also manages rooftop solar procurement for government buildings.
- Recent example: SECI invited bids for a balance-of-system (BoS) package for an 88 MW ground-mounted solar project in Chitradurga, Karnataka (2026)
- Recent example: SECI issued a selection tender for 5,500 kW rooftop solar PV under RESCO mode via tariff-based competitive bidding (2026)
- Portal: seci.co.in and eprocure.gov.in
2. NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd (NTPC REL / NGEL)
NTPC REL is one of the most active solar tender issuers in India, targeting 60 GW of renewable capacity by 2032. It issues EPC, BoS, and module supply tenders for massive utility-scale projects.
- Recent example: NTPC REL invited bids for supply of solar modules for 1.2 GW of solar projects at Khavda Renewable Energy Park, Gujarat (2026)
- Recent example: NTPC REL floated two tenders for BoS supply for 2,100 MW of grid-connected solar in Andhra Pradesh (2026)
- Portal: ntpctender.ntpc.co.in
3. Indian Railways (Zonal Railways)
All 16 zonal railways are mandated to solarise their stations, yards, and administrative buildings, issuing tenders for installation and long-term O&M contracts.
- Recent example: Southern Railway issued a tender for three solar projects totalling 29 MW in Tamil Nadu (2026)
- Portal: ireps.gov.in and zonal railway websites
All buyers publish tenders across multiple portals simultaneously. Explore solar power plants tenders on TenderDekho to track all central and state opportunities in a single feed.
Types of Solar Power Plants Tenders
Solar procurement spans several distinct tender types, each requiring different technical credentials, financial capacity, and registration portals. Identifying the right subcategory for your business is the first step.
Category Comparison
| Type | Share | Typical Value | Complexity | Key Buyers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utility-Scale EPC (ground-mounted) | ~40% | ₹35–450 crores | Very High | SECI, NTPC REL, DISCOMs |
| Rooftop Solar (govt. buildings) | ~30% | ₹50 lakhs–15 crores | Medium | CPWD, Railways, MES, CPSEs |
| BoS & Module Supply | ~15% | ₹100–2,000 crores | High | NTPC REL, SECI |
| O&M Contracts | ~10% | ₹50 lakhs–5 crores | Low–Medium | Railways, MES, CPSEs |
| Floating & Hybrid Solar-BESS | ~5% | ₹50–500 crores | Very High | Coal India, NTPC, SECI |
Utility-Scale EPC — Ground-Mounted Plants (~40%)
These are the highest-value tenders, typically structured as turnkey EPC contracts covering design, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and 5–10 years of O&M. They require significant financial and technical credentials.
What's typically procured:
- Complete ground-mounted solar PV power plant (50 MW–500 MW)
- Single-axis tracker systems (now >55% of new awards, per IndexBox 2026 data)
- Grid interconnection, substation, and SCADA systems
- Long-term O&M (5–10 years post-commissioning)
Common specifications:
- Standard: CEA regulations, IEC 61724, ALMM-listed modules mandatory
- Quantity: 50 MW–500 MW per package
- Delivery: 12–18 months from NTP
Pricing range: ₹3.5–4.5 crore per MW installed (2026 market rate, per IndexBox)
Rooftop Solar — Government Buildings (~30%)
Rooftop tenders are the most accessible entry point for small and mid-sized EPC companies. CPWD, Indian Railways, Defence establishments, municipal bodies, and institutions like IITs, hospitals, and universities all issue these regularly.
What's typically procured:
- Rooftop solar PV systems (50 kWp to 5 MWp)
- Grid-interactive or off-grid systems with battery backup
- Comprehensive O&M for 5–25 years (RESCO model) or turnkey CAPEX model
Pricing range: ₹50 lakhs (small institutional) to ₹15 crores (large campus / railway yard)
BoS & Module Supply (~15%)
Balance-of-system (BoS) tenders cover all plant components except the solar modules — inverters, mounting structures, cables, switchgear, transformers, and SCADA. Module supply tenders are issued separately for ALMM-listed products.
Pricing range: ₹100 crores (small BoS packages) to ₹2,000+ crores (bulk module supply for 1–2 GW parks)
Where the Opportunities Are: State-Wise Distribution
Solar tender volume is concentrated in states with high solar irradiation, large land availability, and active DISCOM procurement programmes. Rajasthan and Gujarat lead for utility-scale; Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh for state DISCOM-led procurement.
Top States for Solar Power Plants Tenders
| Rank | State | Key Buyers | Scale | Growth Driver |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rajasthan | SECI, NTPC REL, RVPNL | 100–2,000 MW | Khimsar, Pugal, Bhadla Solar Parks |
| 2 | Gujarat | GUVNL, NTPC REL | 100–1,500 MW | Khavda RE Park (30 GW ultimate) |
| 3 | Tamil Nadu | TANGEDCO, Southern Railway | 10–500 MW | DISCOM RPO, Railways solarisation |
| 4 | Andhra Pradesh | NTPC REL, APSECL | 200–2,100 MW | BoS packages for NTPC RE parks |
| 5 | Uttar Pradesh | UPPCL, NTPC REL | 100–500 MW | Bundelkhand, UPPCL auctions |
| 6 | Odisha | OPGC, GRIDCO | 10–150 MW | Jharsuguda thermal-to-solar conversion |
| 7 | Karnataka | SECI, KREDL | 10–500 MW | Chitradurga, Pavagada Solar Park |
Regional Highlights
North & West (Rajasthan & Gujarat):
- Rajasthan leads utility-scale solar activity in India — the Bhadla Solar Park (2.7 GW) and Pugal Solar Park continue to generate EPC and BoS tenders. In January 2026, Rajasthan launched a tender for the largest Solar + BESS project in India at Pugal, according to Energy-Storage.News (2026 data).
- Gujarat's Khavda Renewable Energy Park is on track to become the world's largest RE park, with NTPC REL already issuing 1.2 GW module supply tenders.
- Browse Rajasthan solar power plants tenders for the latest utility-scale auction opportunities.
South (Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh):
- Tamil Nadu led India's solar-plus-storage tendering scene in 2025, per Energy-Storage.News (2026 data), driven by TANGEDCO auctions and an active Southern Railway solarisation programme.
- Andhra Pradesh is the focus of NTPC REL's 2,100 MW BoS tender — one of the largest solar procurement packages issued by any CPSE in 2026.
- Find solar tenders in Tamil Nadu to access TANGEDCO and Railway procurement opportunities.
Central & East (Uttar Pradesh, Odisha & Maharashtra):
- Uttar Pradesh is emerging as a major procurement state under UPPCL auctions and NTPC REL's northern RE parks.
- Odisha's Jharsuguda thermal power station conversion to solar (50 MWac EPC) is an example of the growing captive solar procurement by state PSUs.
- Explore solar tenders in Gujarat for Khavda park and GUVNL auction opportunities.
How to Participate in Solar Power Plants Tenders
Solar power plant tenders require specific technical credentials, ALMM compliance, and multi-portal registration. Here is a structured four-phase participation guide.
Phase 1: Registrations & Setup
| Registration | Timeline | Cost | Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| GST Registration | 7–10 days | Free | gstin.gov.in |
| MSME/Udyam Registration | 1–2 days | Free | udyamregistration.gov.in |
| Digital Signature (Class 3 DSC) | 2–3 days | ₹1,000–₹2,000 | Authorised CA |
| GeM Seller Registration | 3–5 days | Free | gem.gov.in |
| CPPP / eprocure.gov.in | 1–2 days | Free | eprocure.gov.in |
| SECI Portal Registration | 1–2 days | Free | seci.co.in |
| NTPC eProcure | 1–2 days | Free | ntpctender.ntpc.co.in |
Key certifications for solar power plants tenders:
- ISO 9001:2015 — mandatory for CEL and most PSU empanelment (confirmed in CEL EoI, 2026)
- ALMM-listed modules — required in all government solar tenders; check MNRE's current ALMM list before bidding
- Tiered EPC experience — Category A: ≥ ₹100 Cr turnover + ≥ 10 MWp solar EPC experience; Category B: ≥ ₹50 Cr + ≥ 5 MWp; Category C: ≥ ₹5 Cr + ≥ 1 MWp (per CEL empanelment norms, 2026)
- Average annual turnover ≥ 30% of estimated project cost (last 3 financial years)
- Net worth certificate for large-value bids
TenderDekho's GeM seller registration service can guide new entrants through the GeM onboarding process, which is required for government building rooftop tenders issued via the GeM portal.
Phase 2: Finding the Right Tenders
Shortlist checklist:
- Your EPC category (A / B / C) matches the tender's eligibility criteria
- ALMM-listed module sourcing secured or planned
- ISO 9001:2015 certificate current and valid
- Class 3 DSC obtained and registered on the relevant portal (SECI, NTPC, state portal)
- Average annual turnover ≥ 30% of estimated contract value
- Sufficient workforce and equipment for the project scale and geography
Discover matching tenders daily: Find solar power plants government tenders — filter by state, value, and issuing authority.
Key platform features:
- State filter — Focus on high-auction states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, or Tamil Nadu
- Value filter — Separate rooftop from utility-scale based on your working capital
- Tender history — Study past tariff discoveries and winning EPC contractors
- Email alerts — Get notified immediately when SECI, NTPC, or state DISCOM solar tenders publish
Phase 3: Bid Preparation
Technical proposal must include:
- Company profile with solar EPC track record (capacity executed in MWp, last 3–7 years)
- Experience certificates for similar solar power plant works (commissioned and operational)
- ALMM compliance declaration for proposed module brands
- ISO 9001:2015 certificate (current)
- List of key technical personnel (electrical / mechanical / project engineers)
- Equipment list: testing kits, monitoring systems, O&M tools
Financial proposal must include:
- Itemised BOQ covering all plant components (modules, inverters, mounting, SCADA, civil)
- EMD / Bid Security (typically 2–3% of estimated project cost; MSME exemptions apply)
- Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) format as per NIT
- Levelised tariff (₹/kWh) for RESCO model tenders
Phase 4: Submission Checklist
- Download NIT and all corrigenda — solar tenders frequently issue 2–3 corrigenda; track all amendments before finalising your bid
- Verify ALMM list version — MNRE updates the ALMM list periodically; confirm your modules are on the current list
- Convert all documents to PDF — check portal file-size limits (typically 5–10 MB)
- Apply Class 3 DSC to the complete bid before upload
- Submit EMD via RTGS / demand draft as specified in the NIT
- Submit 2–3 hours before deadline — portal traffic spikes in the final hour
- Save acknowledgment receipt for tracking and query response
For comprehensive bid submission support, TenderDekho's GeM bid participation service provides end-to-end guidance through the documentation and online submission process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the minimum eligibility to participate in solar power plant tenders?
- GST registration and PAN (mandatory for all)
- Class 3 DSC (mandatory for online submission on SECI, NTPC, and state portals)
- MSME/Udyam registration (recommended — provides EMD exemptions and price preferences)
- ISO 9001:2015 certification (mandatory for most PSU and CEL empanelment)
- Relevant solar EPC experience: minimum 1 MWp (Category C) to 10+ MWp (Category A), depending on tender size
- Average annual turnover ≥ 30% of estimated project cost over the last 3 financial years
Q2. What capital is needed to start bidding for solar power plant tenders?
- EMD/Bid Security: ₹1–3 lakhs for small rooftop tenders (up to ₹1 crore value); ₹5–50 lakhs for medium EPC tenders; ₹1–5 crores for large utility-scale bids (MSME bidders may be exempt)
- Working Capital: ₹10–25 lakhs for rooftop solar contracts; ₹2–20 crores for MW-scale EPC
- Registration Costs: ₹1,000–₹3,000 (DSC and portal registration, one-time)
Q3. What is the average tender value in this category?
Solar power plant tender values span an extremely wide range. CPWD and Railway rooftop tenders run from ₹50 lakhs to ₹15 crores. Captive solar EPC for defence or PSU sites typically falls between ₹15–100 crores. Utility-scale SECI and NTPC EPC packages range from ₹35–450 crores per package, while BoS and module supply contracts can reach ₹2,000+ crores. At ₹3.5–4.5 crore per MW (2026 market rate), project scale directly determines bid value.
Q4. What certifications are mandatory for solar power plant tenders?
- GST Registration and PAN (all tenders)
- Class 3 DSC (all online tenders)
- ISO 9001:2015 (PSU, CEL, Railways, Defence tenders)
- ALMM-listed module compliance (all government solar tenders under MNRE guidelines)
- BIS-approved inverters (required by many tenders)
- MSME/Udyam (recommended for fee exemptions and price preferences)
Q5. How do I find solar power plant tenders specific to my state or capacity category?
TenderDekho consolidates solar power plant tenders from SECI, NTPC, CPWD, Indian Railways, and all state portals into a single searchable feed. View live solar power plant tender listings and set email alerts to receive notifications as soon as new tenders publish in your target state or capacity range.
Conclusion & 30-Day Action Plan
India's solar power plants procurement market is one of the most active and fastest-growing in global infrastructure. With 122.5 GW already installed and 348.57 GW projected by 2031, the government is on a decade-long procurement journey that spans utility-scale EPC packages worth hundreds of crores to 50 kWp rooftop projects at government schools and hospitals. Whether you are a Category A EPC contractor or a first-time MSME installer, there is a solar tender calibrated to your capacity — and the market is growing fast enough that your window to enter and build credentials is now.
Start in 30 Days
Week 1–2: Foundation
- Complete GST, MSME/Udyam, Class 3 DSC, and GeM registrations
- Register on SECI portal, NTPC eProcure, CPPP, and your state DISCOM's e-procurement portal
- Apply for ISO 9001:2015 certification if not already held
- Set up TenderDekho alerts: Discover solar power plant tender opportunities
Week 3: Research
- Browse 10–15 active solar tenders matching your EPC category (A, B, or C)
- Study past tariff discovery results and winning contractors for your target states
- Identify 3–5 target buyers — start with Railway or CPWD rooftop tenders to build the MWp track record required for larger bids
Week 4: First Bid
- Prepare standard documentation templates: experience certificates, ALMM compliance declaration, ISO certificate, BOQ format
- Attend the pre-bid meeting for your chosen tender (mandatory for many solar tenders)
- Submit your first bid and track corrigenda daily until the deadline
Your next step: Browse solar power plants tenders updated daily on TenderDekho and match the right project to your capacity and credentials.