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 6, 2026
- RFP Questions Due/Posted: March 20, 2026
- RFP Proposals Due: April 3, 2026
- Firm Selected: April, 2026
Q&A
Q: Program Area: It says “surrounding counties” and that’s a bit vague – do you know what the radius is so we can be prepared for the driving involved?
A: While the program is open to residents in all of the bordering counties, our outreach and events will be focused on DeWitt and McLean counties. If necessary, please include the distance adder for the surrounding counties in your proposal.
Q: The RFP for Bloomington-Normal has certain verbiage about IRA Registered companies, which seems to be a localized requirement in Wisconsin only. Should we disregard this requirement or is this something that an Illinois based contractor would need to complete?
A: I found that item within the RFP. I do believe that was a holdover from our Wisconsin RFPs.
I believe it should be ok to disregard
Q: Illinois does not offer a state-level “Master Electrician” license so I wonder if this desired
qualification will be removed for the Illinois RFP and no points will be deducted for not having it.
A: Our programs do place a lot of value on choosing installers with highly-credentialed electricians on staff. In lieu of the statewide license, please share any and all credentials that your staff holds.
Q: In the adder’s schedule there is a line item named “Energy efficiency upgrade(s)” – Can you clarify if this is referring to a solar equipment efficiency upgrade? Or could it be referring to home energy efficiency upgrades like insulation, air sealing, and other appliances?
A: The energy efficiency upgrades item refers to the latter, and we do encourage folks to get home energy audits in our power hours!
About MREA:
Between 2013 and 2025, 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.