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Sample RFPs

Why reinvent the wheel? Here are some samples of solar RFPs that we think got it right.

Municipal Solar RFPs

The Local Government Commission has posted some sample Request for Proposals for solar installations. San Francisco recently issued a RFP for a 250 kW system on the South East Water Pollution Control Plant (PDF).

Another strategy is to select the most qualified photovoltaic installer through a Request for Qualifications (Word/.zip) procedure, then utilize their expertise to jointly develop the best projects.

Third Party Solar Services RFPs

Instead of buying a solar system, why not buy the solar electricity it generates? Often called a PPA, this model replaces upfront system costs with a long-term contract for predictable energy rates. PPAs also allow municipalities, which don’t have tax burdens, to take advantage of the 30% federal tax credit. NREL has a handy checklist for local governments interested in going solar through a PPA. San Diego is one city that signed a 5 MW deal (PDF) below utility rates. We’ve posted the RFP (PDF) and related documents exhibit A (PDF) and exhibits B-G (PDF).