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Request for Proposals: Solar Urbana-Champaign, Illinois 2022 solar group buy

May 13, 2022 Request for Proposals - (RFPs)

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is seeking qualified firms to submit proposals for 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 Champaign, Piatt, and Vermilion Counties, IL, 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 50 Solar Group Buy programs around the Midwest, reaching over 11,600 individuals with our Solar Power Hour information sessions, and leading to more than 17,400 kW on over 2,300 properties. Among those who attended our presentations, an average 20% purchased a PV system. To date, the average system size is 7.3 kW.  Since 2016, Solar Urbana-Champaign programs have resulted in 242 solar installations in Champaign, Piatt, and Vermilion Counties. 

The group buy program is offered with support from the MREA,  the City of Urbana, the Village of Savoy, Citizens Utility Board (CUB), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign County Sustainability Network (CCNet) and Common Ground Food Co-operative. The MREA will coordinate and deliver a minimum of 12 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. Depending on local public health conditions, presentations may be webinars or in-person.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE RFP

RFP Announced: May 13, 2022
RFP Questions Due/Posted: May 27, 2021
RFP Proposals: Due June 3, 2021
Firm Selected: June 17, 2021

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

1. With the program moving to in-person presentations, what is the estimated average attendance for these presentations? It will be interesting to see how in-person events will go this year, but people are ready to go back out in the world. So far in other programs that have launched, attendance has been good so far. If we look at the past, our average was 12 people per presentation. I think we can achieve those same numbers with proper planning. 
 
2. What were the final installation results (projects/KW’s) for 2021? For the 2021 program, we had 120.12 kW of solar on 16 properties installed. Additionally, we had 467.84 kWs on 52 properties worth of proposals. 
 
3. Besides in-person presentations, are there any new additions to the program’s outreach (i.e. new partners, new venues) in 2022? This is in flux as we are actively seeking new partners and venues as we return to more in-person programming. Additionally, we are working towards finding new ways/new venues to get more involved with Vermilion County this year. 
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