AAI Releases Bid for 29 kWp Solar Rooftop Project at Andhra Pradesh's Kadapa Airport
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.In a progressive step towards sustainable aviation infrastructure, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has floated an e-tender for the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of a 29 kWp grid-connected solar rooftop system at Kadapa Airport, Andhra Pradesh. This project not only supports India’s vision of expanding solar adoption across public sector assets but also reinforces AAI’s commitment to cleaner, greener airport operations.
With an estimated cost of ₹20.62 lakh (excluding GST) and a strict timeline of three months, the project opens the door for experienced solar EPC contractors to play a crucial role in powering a public utility with clean energy.
In this blog, we break down the tender scope, technical requirements, eligibility criteria, strategic benefits, and what it means for the solar industry in India.
India’s Push for Airport Sustainability Through Solar Power
As part of India’s efforts to curb carbon emissions and meet renewable energy targets under the National Solar Mission and PM Surya Ghar Yojana, airports have emerged as key spaces for solar infrastructure deployment. From large-scale ground-mounted systems at metro airports to rooftop solar installations at regional airports, the shift toward sustainable energy in aviation is gaining serious momentum.
AAI, a nodal agency under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has taken significant steps in recent years by commissioning solar projects across airports like Kochi, Vijayawada, Tirupati, and now, Kadapa Airport in Andhra Pradesh.
Why Kadapa Airport?
Southern Andhra Pradesh’s Kadapa is served by Kadapa Airport (IATA: CDP), a domestic airport. As a tier-3 airport with increasing passenger movement and terminal operations, it represents an ideal use case for distributed solar generation. Rooftop solar not only reduces the airport’s electricity bills but also provides cleaner energy for lighting, HVAC systems, and ground support operations.
The addition of a 29 kWp rooftop solar system is expected to:
- Offset 30-40% of daytime power demand
- Reduce annual electricity expenditure
- Lower CO₂ emissions by approximately 35 metric tons/year
- Enhance Kadapa Airport’s energy resilience
Project Summary: A Quick Snapshot
Project Element | Details |
Authority | Airports Authority of India (AAI) |
Airport | Kadapa Airport, Andhra Pradesh |
Tender Scope | 29 kWp grid-connected rooftop solar system |
Estimated Cost | ₹20,62,420 (excluding GST) |
Work Completion Time | 3 months |
Tender Fee | ₹1,180 (non-refundable, including GST) |
Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) | ₹62,000 (online payment only) |
Tender Mode | e-Tender via NIC CPP Portal |
Tender Release Date | July 5, 2025 |
Clarification Period Ends | July 19, 2025 |
Bid Submission Deadline | July 26, 2025 (18:00 hrs) |
Technical Bid Opening Date | July 28, 2025 |
Financial Bid Opening Date | August 4, 2025 (15:00 hrs) |
Allowed JV/Consortium | Not permitted |
Scope of Work in Detail
The awarded contractor will be responsible for the turnkey execution of the solar rooftop project, which includes:
- Design and Engineering
- Site survey and shadow analysis
- Module layout and mounting structure design
- Electrical single-line diagram (SLD) preparation
- Procurement and Supply
- Solar PV modules (likely mono PERC or bifacial preferred)
- String inverters
- Mounting structures (preferably GI/Aluminum)
- Cabling, connectors, junction boxes, protection devices
- Installation and Commissioning
- Rooftop mounting
- DC & AC cabling
- Net metering system integration
- Synchronization with airport’s internal grid
- Testing and Quality Assurance
- Performance ratio check
- Electrical safety and insulation tests
- IR thermography, continuity testing
- Documentation and Handover
- Warranty certificates
- Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manual
- Project completion report
- Training
- Basic training for airport maintenance staff on system handling
Eligibility Criteria for Bidders
To ensure that only qualified and financially sound contractors are eligible, AAI has imposed strict qualification norms under Envelope-I (Technical & Pre-Qualification Documents):
🔧 Technical Criteria:
- Bidders must demonstrate experience in successfully executing solar rooftop systems in the past 7 years.
- Minimum project experience required:
- 1 project of at least 24 kWp, OR
- 2 projects of at least 18 kWp each, OR
- 3 projects of at least 12 kWp each
- Projects must be grid-connected and commissioned successfully.
💼 Financial Criteria:
- Average Annual Turnover: Minimum ₹7,30,097 over the last 3 financial years (FY 2022–23, FY 2021–22, and FY 2020–21)
- Net Worth: Minimum ₹3,09,363 as certified by a Chartered Accountant
- Firms with continuous financial losses in the past 3 years will be disqualified
📄 Documentation Required:
- PAN and GST registration
- Valid electrical contractor license
- Self-certification of:
- No blacklisting
- GST and wage compliance
- Financial statements audited by a Chartered Accountant
- Experience certificates from clients with project details
Envelope-II: Financial Bid
The financial bid must be submitted strictly in the provided BOQ (Bill of Quantities) format, which is available on the NIC CPP portal. Any alteration to the format or inclusion of additional terms and conditions may lead to rejection of the bid.
Important notes:
- The lowest qualified bidder (L1) will be awarded the contract
· Within a week following the financial bid opening, the EMD of unsuccessful bidders will be reimbursed.
- EMD of the winning bidder will be returned after they submit the Security Deposit or Performance Bank Guarantee, as applicable
Tender Submission Timeline
Understanding the project timeline is crucial for proper bid preparation. Here’s a breakdown:
- Tender Released: July 5, 2025
- Clarification Queries Last Date: July 19, 2025
- Bid Submission Deadline: July 26, 2025 (6:00 PM IST)
- Technical Bid Opening (Envelope-I): July 28, 2025
- Financial Bid Opening (Envelope-II): August 4, 2025 (3:00 PM IST)
All bid submissions, EMD payments, and document uploads must be done online via the NIC CPP Portal.
Strategic Importance of This Tender
For AAI:
- Supports its green airport initiatives
- Complies with India’s National Climate Change Action Plan (NAPCC)
- Reduces operating costs at Kadapa Airport
For Solar EPC Contractors:
- Opportunity to execute a government rooftop solar project
- Build credentials in the aviation and public infrastructure sector
- Potential entry point into future AAI solar projects and AMI integration work
For India’s Renewable Goals:
- Expands the PM Surya Ghar Yojana’s cumulative rooftop solar target.
- Promotes solar adoption in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities
- Demonstrates government leadership in clean energy transition
How to Apply
- Register on https://etenders.gov.in/eprocure/app
- Search for the AAI tender under Kadapa Airport
- Download the tender document, BOQ, and compliance checklists
- Prepare and upload all Envelope-I documents in PDF format
- Fill and upload the BOQ under Envelope-II
- Pay EMD and tender fee online before submission deadline
Note: All documents must be digitally signed using a valid Class-III DSC (Digital Signature Certificate).
Conclusion
The 29 kWp rooftop solar tender at Kadapa Airport marks another step forward in India’s green aviation journey. The Airports Authority of India continues to lead by example in adopting solar energy across its facilities, and this project opens a window of opportunity for capable solar EPC players. With a fast-track timeline, clear scope, and national relevance, this tender is expected to draw attention from credible solar integrators and contractors who are ready to work on government-grade infrastructure. If you’re a solar company looking to participate in such projects, this is the kind of opportunity that enhances both your portfolio and your brand reputation.