Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is seeking qualified firms (“Proposing firms” or “Proposers”) to submit proposals for the provision of estimates and the design, procurement, and installation of new residential and commercial photovoltaic (PV) systems at a per-watt price lower than the prevailing single system market rate.
The “group buy” program is being led by Midwest Renewable Energy Association. The goal of the program is to increase consumer education and PV installations in the Little Traverse Bay Area (including a driving radius within 30 miles of Petoskey City Hall, 101 E Lake St, Petoskey, MI 49770) through a group purchase involving a competitive contractor selection process, an advantageous pricing and rebate structure, and free information sessions.
Between 2013 and 2020, the MREA facilitated forty-two Solar Group Buy programs around the Midwest, reaching over 10,000 individuals with our Solar Power Hour information sessions, and leading to more than 14,000 kW on over 1,900 properties. Among those property owners who received proposals from partnering contractors, an average 40% purchased a PV system. To date, the average system size is 7.15 kW.
The group buy program for 2021 is offered with support from MREA and visibility and awareness generated by Michigan Interfaith Power & Light, and the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities. MREA will coordinate and deliver a minimum of 15 free, public Solar Power Hour information sessions and market them widely with physical posters, email blasts, paid social media promotion, in the press, and more. Please note: as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we plan to offer all public presentations via webinar until it is safe to offer them in person again. Across all programs in 2020, we averaged 11 attendees per webinar presentation; in 2019, we averaged 12 attendees per in-person presentation.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE RFP
RFP Announced February 22, 2021
RFP Questions Due/Posted March 15, 2021
RFP Proposals Due March 22, 2021
Firm(s) Selected April 5, 2021
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS