Grow Solar https://www.growsolar.org/ Educating Communities Since 2013. Fri, 23 May 2025 19:53:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.growsolar.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Grow-Solar-icon-144-07.png Grow Solar https://www.growsolar.org/ 32 32 Grow Solar Bloomington – Normal 2025 RFP Announcement https://www.growsolar.org/request-for-proposals-rfps/grow-solar-bloomington-normal-2025-rfp-announcement/ Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:55:49 +0000 https://www.growsolar.org/?p=16043 Purpose & Background: Timeline: About MREA:

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Purpose & Background:

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 with support from other local partners. The MREA will coordinate and deliver a minimum of six 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: April 11, 2025
  • RFP Questions Due/Posted: April 25, 2025
  • RFP Proposals Due: May 9, 2025
  • Firm Selected: May, 2025
Download RFP
Submit Proposal

About MREA:

Between 2013 and 2024, the MREA facilitated over 70 Solar Group Buy programs around the Midwest, reaching over 14,500 individuals with our Solar Power Hour information sessions, and leading to more than 24,900 kW on over 3,400 properties. 

The post Grow Solar Bloomington – Normal 2025 RFP Announcement appeared first on Grow Solar.

]]> Grow Solar Door County 2025 RFP Announcement https://www.growsolar.org/request-for-proposals-rfps/grow-solar-door-county-2025-rfp-announcement/ Fri, 14 Mar 2025 20:24:53 +0000 https://www.growsolar.org/?p=15999 Purpose & Background: Timeline: About MREA:

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

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Purpose & Background:

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 with support from other local partners. The MREA will coordinate and deliver a minimum of six 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 14, 2025
  • RFP Questions Due/Posted: March 28, 2025
  • RFP Proposals Due: April 11, 2025
  • Firm Selected: April, 2025
Download RFP
Submit Proposal

About MREA:

Between 2013 and 2024, the MREA facilitated over 70 Solar Group Buy programs around the Midwest, reaching over 14,500 individuals with our Solar Power Hour information sessions, and leading to more than 24,900 kW on over 3,400 properties. 

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

]]> Grow Solar Green Bay-Fox Valley 2025 RFP Announcement https://www.growsolar.org/request-for-proposals-rfps/grow-solar-green-bay-fox-valley-2025-rfp-announcement/ Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:56:32 +0000 https://www.growsolar.org/?p=15955 Purpose & Background: Timeline: About MREA: Questions + Answers

The post Grow Solar Green Bay-Fox Valley 2025 RFP Announcement appeared first on Grow Solar.

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Purpose & Background:

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 with support from other local partners. The MREA will coordinate and deliver a minimum of six 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: February 18, 2025
  • RFP Questions Due/Posted: March 4, 2025
  • RFP Proposals Due: March 18, 2025
  • Firm Selected: March, 2025
Download RFP
Submit Proposal

About MREA:

Between 2013 and 2024, the MREA facilitated over 70 Solar Group Buy programs around the Midwest, reaching over 14,500 individuals with our Solar Power Hour information sessions, and leading to more than 24,900 kW on over 3,400 properties. 

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.

The post Grow Solar Green Bay-Fox Valley 2025 RFP Announcement appeared first on Grow Solar.

]]> Grow Solar La Crosse County 2025 RFP Announcement https://www.growsolar.org/request-for-proposals-rfps/grow-solar-la-crosse-county-2025-rfp-announcement/ Fri, 14 Feb 2025 20:42:04 +0000 https://www.growsolar.org/?p=15945 Purpose & Background: Timeline: About MREA:

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

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Purpose & Background:

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 with support from other local partners. The MREA will coordinate and deliver a minimum of six 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: February 14, 2025
  • RFP Questions Due/Posted: February 28, 2025
  • RFP Proposals Due: March 14, 2025
  • Firm Selected: March, 2025
Download RFP
Submit Proposal

About MREA:

Between 2013 and 2024, the MREA facilitated over 70 Solar Group Buy programs around the Midwest, reaching over 14,500 individuals with our Solar Power Hour information sessions, and leading to more than 24,900 kW on over 3,400 properties. 

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

]]> Grow Solar Milwaukee + Waukesha Counties 2025 RFP Announcement https://www.growsolar.org/request-for-proposals-rfps/grow-solar-milwaukee-waukesha-counties-2025-rfp-announcement/ Fri, 14 Feb 2025 17:15:15 +0000 https://www.growsolar.org/?p=15939 Purpose & Background: Timeline: About MREA: Questions:

The post Grow Solar Milwaukee + Waukesha Counties 2025 RFP Announcement appeared first on Grow Solar.

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Purpose & Background:

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 with support from other local partners. The MREA will coordinate and deliver a minimum of six 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: February 14, 2025
  • RFP Questions Due/Posted: February 28, 2025
  • RFP Proposals Due: March 13, 2025
  • Firm Selected: March, 2025
Download Proposal
Submit Proposal

About MREA:

Between 2013 and 2024, the MREA facilitated over 70 Solar Group Buy programs around the Midwest, reaching over 14,500 individuals with our Solar Power Hour information sessions, and leading to more than 24,900 kW on over 3,400 properties. 

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. 

Question: How many applicants do you typically have? 
 
Answer: We aim for 3-4 applicants, but have received 6+ in previous iterations of our programs. 
 
Question: We are based in IL but do work in WI. Will that hinder our chances of being selected?
 
Answer: The RFP does reward installers for having their principal place of business within the program area, but is not a requirement. 
 
Question: I see that participants make a “go” or “no go” decision after site assessments are completed. Can you describe that process please? Will we be required to complete an in-person site assessment before a contract is signed?
 
Answer: Often times when a new lead is generated, the program installer will reach out with some general questions (roof orientation, annual electrical usage, shading, etc). Based on these details, they will determine if the property is a good fit for solar and therefore worthy of scheduling a site assessment. While we have had installers in some previous programs offer a virtual “solar consultation” rather than an in-person site assessment. In general the Advisory Committee tends to award the program to companies who go above and beyond in their customer service, including being willing to perform free site assessments to candidates.

The post Grow Solar Milwaukee + Waukesha Counties 2025 RFP Announcement appeared first on Grow Solar.

]]> Grow Solar Jasper + Poweshiek Counties 2025 RFP Announcement https://www.growsolar.org/request-for-proposals-rfps/grow-solar-jasper-poweshiek-counties-2025-rfp-announcement/ Fri, 14 Feb 2025 16:47:18 +0000 https://www.growsolar.org/?p=15935 Purpose & Background: Timeline: About MREA:

The post Grow Solar Jasper + Poweshiek Counties 2025 RFP Announcement appeared first on Grow Solar.

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Purpose & Background:

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 with support from other local partners. The MREA will coordinate and deliver a minimum of six 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: February 14, 2025
  • RFP Questions Due/Posted: February 28, 2025
  • RFP Proposals Due: March 12, 2025
  • Firm Selected: March, 2025
Download RFP
Submit Proposal

About MREA:

Between 2013 and 2024, the MREA facilitated over 70 Solar Group Buy programs around the Midwest, reaching over 14,500 individuals with our Solar Power Hour information sessions, and leading to more than 24,900 kW on over 3,400 properties. 

The post Grow Solar Jasper + Poweshiek Counties 2025 RFP Announcement appeared first on Grow Solar.

]]> Grow Solar Central Wisconsin 2025 RFP Announcement https://www.growsolar.org/request-for-proposals-rfps/grow-solar-central-wisconsin-2025-rfp-announcement-2/ Fri, 07 Feb 2025 20:42:54 +0000 https://www.growsolar.org/?p=15925 Purpose & Background: Timeline: About MREA:

The post Grow Solar Central Wisconsin 2025 RFP Announcement appeared first on Grow Solar.

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Purpose & Background:

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 with support from other local partners. The MREA will coordinate and deliver a minimum of six 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.

Announcement: We are extending the open period for the Request for Proposals (RFP) to Monday, March 17th. Feel free to reach out to info@growsolar.org with any questions regarding this extension. 

Timeline:

  • RFP Announced: February 7, 2025
  • RFP Questions Due/Posted: February 21, 2025
  • RFP Proposals Due: March 7, 2025
  • Firm Selected: March, 2025
Download Proposal
Submit Proposal

About MREA:

Between 2013 and 2024, the MREA facilitated over 70 Solar Group Buy programs around the Midwest, reaching over 14,500 individuals with our Solar Power Hour information sessions, and leading to more than 24,900 kW on over 3,400 properties. 

The post Grow Solar Central Wisconsin 2025 RFP Announcement appeared first on Grow Solar.

]]> WI Net Zero Schools RFB Announcement https://www.growsolar.org/request-for-proposals-rfps/solar-for-schools-rfb-announcement/ Tue, 08 Oct 2024 19:52:06 +0000 https://www.growsolar.org/?p=15873 Purpose & Background Timeline

The post WI Net Zero Schools RFB Announcement appeared first on Grow Solar.

]]> Purpose & Background

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is seeking to select a firm to provide energy efficiency assessments and priority efficiency and electrification recommendations for 10 Wisconsin schools as outlined in Exhibit A – Scope of Work. The project funding is provided by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Office of Energy Innovation through a grant agreement. 

Timeline

  • RFB Announced: October 8th, 2024
  • RFB Questions Due/Posted: October 15th, 2024 by 2PM CST
  • RFB Proposals Due: October 18th, 2024 by Midnight CST
  • Expected Firm Selection: October 25th, 2024
  • Project Term: Nov 1st, 2024 to September 30th, 2025
View/Download RFP
Submit RFP

The post WI Net Zero Schools RFB Announcement appeared first on Grow Solar.

]]> Grow Solar Central Wisconsin 2024 RFP Announcement https://www.growsolar.org/request-for-proposals-rfps/cw-2024/ Mon, 06 May 2024 17:54:51 +0000 https://www.growsolar.org/request-for-proposals-rfps/centralwi2022-copy/ Purpose & Background: Timeline: About MREA:

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

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Purpose & Background:

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 with support from other local partners. The MREA will coordinate and deliver a minimum of six 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: May 8, 2024
  • RFP Questions Due/Posted: May 23, 2024
  • RFP Proposals Due: May 29, 2024
  • Firm Selected: June, 2024
Download Proposal
Submit Proposal

About MREA:

Between 2013 and 2022, the MREA facilitated over 65 Solar Group Buy programs around the Midwest, reaching over 14,500 individuals with our Solar Power Hour information sessions, and leading to more than 22,400 kW on over 3,400 properties. 

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

]]> Geothermal Urbana-Champaign 2024 RFP Announcement https://www.growsolar.org/request-for-proposals-rfps/geo-uc-2024/ Thu, 07 Mar 2024 23:00:24 +0000 https://www.growsolar.org/?p=15615 Purpose & Background: Timeline for Program: About Geo Urbana-Champaign:

The post Geothermal Urbana-Champaign 2024 RFP Announcement appeared first on Grow Solar.

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Purpose & Background:

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is seeking qualified contractors to submit proposals for the design, procurement, and installation of new residential and commercial geothermal systems at bulk prices lower than the prevailing single system market rate for new and existing building geothermal heat pump systems for the Geothermal Urbana-Champaign program.

This group buy is offered by the MREA, and with the promotional support from the City of Urbana,  Champaign County Sustainability Network (CCNet), GeoExchange, Illinois Geothermal Coalition, and additional community partners.  

The program will coordinate and deliver seven to ten free, public Geo 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 for Program:

RFP Announced: March 7, 2024

RFP Questions Due/Posted: March 12, 2024

RFP Proposals Due: March 22, 2024

Firm(s) Selected: March, 2024

Download the RFP
Submit Proposal

About Geo Urbana-Champaign:

Since 2021, the program has installed geothermal almost 40 systems, reaching over 300 individuals with our Geo Power Hour information sessions, and leading to more than 200 tons. 

The post Geothermal Urbana-Champaign 2024 RFP Announcement appeared first on Grow Solar.

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