Purpose & Background:

Timeline:

About MREA:

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Purpose & Background:

Timeline:

About MREA:

Questions + Answers

To calculate simple payback, do you want a utility rate increase included in calculation? If so, what percentage?

It is up to the installer to determine if a utility rate increase is included in the calculation for simple payback.  Oftentimes installers utilize their in-house software to build in a calculation for utility rate increases that helps the customer anticipate the impact of that on their pay back period, however it is up to the installer to provide that calculation as part of the proposal.

Page 10 Part 4 C b – What happens to projects we know are going to be installed later than 2/28/26?  Ex: Customer signs on 9/29 and either needs a new roof, or doesn’t want to install PV if roof has snow/ice.

For projects that are going to be installed later than the deadline, we ask that you simply keep us informed of their status. In your example, a short note in our project tracker such as “waiting for new roof” would be sufficient.

Page 14 – Can you define “US made modules”  domestic content or us made?

American-made solar panels are panels that are assembled in the United States using mostly or entirely US-made parts and materials.

If a customer outside the group buy territory wants to be included, can their kW’s be counted towards this program?

Certainly! If our installer is willing to offer the group buy pricing to property owners that are not within the defined area, we would be happy to include them. Note that our marketing and events will be taking place solely within the program area. 

Desired Qualifications – part 1:  Will employees who are licensed electricians doing the field work be awarded points if they are not NABCEP credential holders?  Licensed electricians are required to take continuing education and understand the NEC more thoroughly than a NABCEP certificate holder.

NABCEP or Distributed Generation Certification as well as any Journeyman Electrician or other certified staff involved in this project will be considered for evaluating the RFP

Business Practices – part B and C:  are these duplicated or are you looking for two separate contract examples?

Under the section on Business Practices, item B. requests a sample customer contract that includes a description of the firm’s terms of payment, process, and timeline, from initial deposit to final payment.   Item C. requests a sample customer contract that represents program pricing that also includes a description of the firm’s terms of payment, process, and timeline, from initial deposit to final payment.  While there is duplication in these two questions, item B. requests a description of the terms of payment and item C. requests program pricing that also includes terms of payment, etc.

In lieu of offering a credit to initial customers if the program capacity increases (payment to the customer for a lower $/watt level reached), can we bill the customer a lower value up front and then invoice them a certain $/watt amount if we don’t reach a certain price level?

The program is based on the tiered structure that provides a rebate incentive at the end of the program.  In consideration of full transparency to consumers, the up-front pricing for what a customer will pay without the rebate is provided at the time of their initial proposal and the rebate is generated at the end of the program for all customers.

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Purpose & Background:

Timeline:

About MREA:

The post Grow Solar La Crosse County 2025 RFP Announcement appeared first on Grow Solar.

Purpose & Background:

Timeline:

About MREA:

Questions:

Question: How many projects are anticipated to be a part of the group buy?

Answer: Our past 3 Milwaukee group buys have had an average of 53 properties go forward with a system. While we cannot predict the exact number of projects and leads that we will generate, we expect to be in this ballpark again. 

Question: Are you selecting one firm or multiple firms to represent this area?

Answer: It is typical for the advisory committee to select a single installer for our programs. We have had instances in which the committee has selected two installers. 

Question: On page 14, it says a $0.10 per watt fee will be applied for contracted installations above 50 kw. Is that a running total of all the projects installed for this program, or is it specifically for jobs that are over 50 kw?

Answer: The .10/w fee refers to the cumlatiative program results.

Question: On page 15 it states what is not included in baseline price such as structural and electrical work needed. Are these items going to be between us and the customer to work through and we would work out the change orders needed?

Answer: Yes, these items would be between the installer and customer. 

Question: Is there a maximum price per watt at which we’d be able to offer solar installations? What has that price been historically?

Answer: There is no maximum price per watt, but we would encourage installers to put forward your best possible price in order to have a competitive proposal. Our previous program was a two installer program, so there were a few different prices being offered. The base prices ranged from 2.61/w-3.19/w, with options in-between depending on equipment and the installer. 

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Purpose & Background:

Timeline:

About MREA:

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Purpose & Background:

Timeline:

About MREA:

The post Grow Solar Central Wisconsin 2024 RFP Announcement appeared first on Grow Solar.

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is seeking qualified firms to submit proposals for the design, procurement, and installation of new residential and small commercial photovoltaic systems as part of a bulk purchasing effort to lower prices.

The group buy program is offered by the MREA, Waukesha County Green Team, and Heart of the City (Fort Atkinson) with support from other local partners.

The MREA will coordinate and deliver a minimum of eight free, public Solar Power Hour information sessions and market them widely with email blasts, paid social media promotion, promotional partnerships, press releases and more. Presentations will be a combination of webinars and in-person events.

Timeline:

• RFP Announced: March 6, 2024
• RFP Questions Due/Posted: March 27, 2024
• RFP Proposals Due: April 3, 2024
• Firm Selected: April, 2024

About the MREA:

Between 2013 and 2023, the MREA has facilitated 65 Solar Group Buy programs through its Grow Solar initiative around the Midwest Region, reaching over 14,500 individuals with its Solar Power Hour information sessions. This outreach led to the installation of more than 22.4 MW on over 3,400 properties.

The post Request for Proposals: Grow Solar Jefferson + Waukesha 2024 Solar Group Buy appeared first on Grow Solar.

Timeline for Program:

RFP Announced: February 2, 2024

RFP Questions Due/Posted: February 23, 2024

RFP Proposals Due: March 1, 2024

Firm(s) Selected: March 15, 2024

Questions:

Any answers to questions will be posted here. 

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The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is seeking qualified firms to submit proposals for the design, procurement, and installation of new, residential and commercial, direct-owned, and power purchase agreement photovoltaic systems at a per-watt price lower than the prevailing single system market rate.

The group buy program is offered on behalf of the following Habitat for Humanity affiliates: Adams County, Dane County, La Crosse Area, Racine, Sawyer County, and St. Croix Valley. The goal of the group buy is to deploy solar PV on over 20-30+ Habitat for Humanity homes throughout Wisconsin through a group purchase involving free information sessions and a competitive installer selection process. The MREA will coordinate the RFP process and Habitat affiliates will select the installer. The MREA and Habitat for Humanity of Wisconsin will continue to coordinate and promote the program to additional affiliates to increase participation by the program deadline of December 15, 2023.  

Between 2013 and 2022, the MREA facilitated 60 solar groups buy programs around the Midwest, reaching over 13,500 individuals with our Solar Power Hour information sessions, and leading to more than 20 MW on over 2,700 properties. Among those who attended our presentations, an average of 20% purchased a PV system. To date, the average system size is 7.3 kW.  

Timeline for Program:

RFP Announced: June 21, 2023

RFP Questions Due/Posted: July 5, 2023

RFP Proposals Due: July 12, 2023

Firm(s) Selected: July 19, 2023

Questions:

Q: Are we able to submit an RFP response for a limited portion of the geography?

A: You are able to apply to any or all of the “Zones” listed in the RFP. 

The post Grow Solar For Humanity Wisconsin 2023 RFP Announcement appeared first on Grow Solar.

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is seeking qualified firms to submit proposals for the design, procurement, and installation of new, residential and commercial, direct-owned, and power purchase agreement photovoltaic systems at a per-watt price lower than the prevailing single system market rate.

The group buy is offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, the cities of Milwaukee and Glendale, the villages of Bayside, Fox Point, Shorewood, and Whitefish Bay, and the Bay View Neighborhood Association and with support from other local partners. The goal of the group buy is to increase solar education and installations through a group purchase involving free information sessions and a competitive installer selection process. The program will be offered in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.

Between 2013 and 2022, the MREA facilitated 60 solar groups buy programs around the Midwest, reaching over 13,500 individuals with our Solar Power Hour information sessions, and leading to more than 20 MW on over 2,700 properties. Among those who attended our presentations, an average of 20% purchased a PV system. To date, the average system size is 7.3 kW.  

Timeline for Program:

RFP Announced: May 12, 2023

RFP Questions Due/Posted: May 19, 2023

RFP Proposals Due: June 2, 2023

Firm(s) Selected: June 9, 2023

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