The Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) has invited bids to develop decentralized solar microgrid projects with battery energy storage systems in five remote villages of Amravati district. Estimated at ₹17.51 crore, the initiative aims to provide reliable and sustainable electricity to villages located in and around the Melghat Tiger Reserve, where extending the conventional power grid remains technically challenging.
The tender covers the complete execution of off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants integrated with Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery energy storage systems. The selected developer will be responsible for survey, design, engineering, supply, installation, testing, commissioning and seven years of operation and maintenance. The projects will also include remote monitoring systems to enable real-time performance tracking and efficient asset management.
The five villages identified under the project are Chunkhadi, Madizadap, Navalgaon, Khadimal and Bhawai, all located in Chikhaldara taluka of Amravati district. According to the tender, these villages lie approximately 10 to 30 kilometres away from the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) network and fall within designated forest areas, making conventional grid electrification difficult and expensive.
Once completed, the projects will provide a combined installed solar generation capacity of 990 kWp supported by 3,110 kWh of battery storage. The decentralized energy systems are expected to supply electricity to around 1,213 households, ensuring uninterrupted power for domestic use and essential community services.
In addition to household electrification, the scope of work includes the installation of 260 solar-powered streetlights, five solar-powered atta chakkis (flour mills) and five solar water pumping systems. These facilities are expected to improve rural infrastructure, enhance livelihoods and support local economic activities while reducing dependence on diesel-based energy sources.
Among the five villages, Khadimal will receive the largest installation with a 300-kWp solar plant coupled with 1,100-kWh battery storage. Navalgaon will have a 220-kWp solar system with 650-kWh storage, followed by Chunkhadi with 200 kWp and 460 kWh, Bhawai with 150 kWp and 400 kWh, and Madizadap with 120 kWp and 500 kWh of battery capacity.
The projects are being implemented under Maharashtra’s Renewable Energy Policy, which promotes decentralized renewable energy solutions for underserved and remote regions. The tender mandates the use of MNRE-approved solar modules listed under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) to ensure quality and reliability.
Developers selected for the project will be required to commission all five microgrids within 180 days from the issuance of the work order. The initiative is expected to improve energy access, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and demonstrate the role of decentralized renewable energy systems in electrifying remote and environmentally sensitive regions of Maharashtra.
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