Solar Procurement Resources

An RFP is a solicitation for products and services that outlines the general terms and conditions of request from market suppliers. The following resources will help you put your RFP together.

• All Points North Foundation's RFP Guide and Template: This guide serves demonstrates one way that nonprofit organizations may invest in solar PV to reduce operating costs associated with energy use. It contains a sample request for proposals (RFP) template that includes quality assurance standards that may be used by schools and municipalities. It provides a straightforward way of vetting contractor qualifications, and can ensure competitive pricing is obtained for the project. READ MORE →
• Steps to a Successful RFP: The Solar Foundation provides educational tools and research to advance solar energy. This brief was designed for individuals overseeing procurement for the local government or school they serve with the specific goal of helping them develop successful Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for solar energy systems. Learn about the essential elements of a solar RFP, receive introductory guidance on how to evaluate any proposals received, and be directed toward tools, resources, and sample documents that can help maximize the effectiveness of their solar procurement efforts.  READ MORE →
• Third-Party Solar Model RFP: Clean Energy Resource Teams offers a robust model RFP ready to be customized with your school or district's name, and also includes tools to compile data on energy use for the specific site(s) included in the RFP and notes on how to use the model RFP and attachment documents. READ MORE →
• NREL PV Watts Calculator: Estimates the energy production and cost of energy of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems. It allows homeowners, building owners, installers, and manufacturers to easily develop estimates of the performance of potential PV installations. READ MORE →
• RePower Toolbox: A working understanding of contract development best practices and access to standardized solar contract templates will improve project transparency and accountability while accelerating solar deployment by reducing the time and cost of the contract development process. This toolbox includes resources to help you effectively navigate through the solar contract development process. READ MORE →
• Writing Solar Requests for Proposals: Lessons from NREL’s University PV Implementation Assistance Program: While providing assistance to universities issuing RFPs, NREL has developed a list of common issues to consider when writing an RFP for solar PV. READ MORE →
• How to Write a Successful Solar RFP: A successful solar RFP needs to be both specific and flexible so that your organization can receive the most competitive range of bids. These tips from SunPower can help you to create the best possible solar RFP. READ MORE →
• EPA's Solar Project Development Pathway & Resources: Most solar projects follow a common project development pathway from a project's conception to its completion. This page from the US EPA details the major steps you will take along your pathway. Each step includes various resources and tools to assist you in achieving the development of your solar project. READ MORE →

Want more where this came from? Check out our step-by-step Solar Schools "How-To Guide" 

Last Updated: 8/11/2023