What are India's new solar power procurement guidelines?

Detailed technical parameters for solar PV and energy storage systems will be periodically updated by MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy). The amended guidelines mark a paradigm shift in India’s solar power procurement framework, emphasizing accountability, technological reliability, and procedural transparency.

Do you need a bid document for a wind solar hybrid project?

Additionally, for Wind Solar Hybrid Projects (under Clause 5.1 “Bid Documentation”), the guidelines clarify that while the Procurer must prepare bid documents in accordance with the guidelines, detailed provisions in draft RfS, PPA, and PSA that are consistent with the guidelines will not be considered deviations.

What are the new solar power procurement revisions for 2025?

Notified on February 12, 2025, these revisions aim to streamline solar power procurement, bolster accountability, and ensure a transparent and efficient bidding ecosystem.

Can a solar PV project charge a battery energy storage system (BESS)?

In a separate Office Memorandum, MNRE clarified the ALMM applicability for solar PV projects used exclusively to charge Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). According to the ministry, these projects are not considered “behind-the-meter” installations solely for captive use under the terms of its earlier memorandum dated 7 October 2022.

When will almm obligations for solar PV cells become mandatory?

On 28 July 2025, MNRE amended its earlier order dated 9 December 2024 to ease compliance for developers participating in government-backed tenders. The ministry confirmed that ALMM obligations for solar PV cells will become mandatory only one month after the official list for cells is published. The publication is still pending.

What is the minimum bid capacity for interstate transmission system-connected projects?

The details have been summarised in Table 1. For interstate transmission system-connected projects, the minimum bid capacity is 50 MW, whereas, for intra-state transmission systems-connected projects, it is 10 MW. Exceptions exist for smaller projects in the north-eastern and special category states.