(NU/1727) Campus Wide Solar PV Installation Project

Tender description

As part of the Newcastle University’s carbon reduction strategy and in pursuit of our net zero by 2030 target, we are seeking to appoint either one or a number of contractors to design; supply; install and commission roof mounted Solar PV systems (capacities to be proposed by the contractor), with accompanying Solar PV health monitoring and data collection platform, on approx. 65 buildings across the University Campus within a two year period. Contractors may be interested in supply and installation, supply only, installation only or remedial works. The buildings in question vary in age and construction (including listed buildings) and some structural and remedial works will be required prior to PV being installed. All solar photovoltaic systems would need to comply with standards laid out by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) MIS 3002 3.3 and all solar photovoltaic system components must also be MCS approved. This PIN is designed to alert the market to our future intent to tender for this requirement and to give prospective bidders the opportunity to indicate if the requirements of this project are achievable within the proposed timeframe. We are looking for contractors to propose solutions for both carrying out remedial/structural works and insuring the integrity of the buildings and/or installing the PV systems. We estimate that whilst the majority of the cost for this requirement will be the PV element, the building work will also form a significant proportion (possibly 55/45% respectively) and it is therefore envisaged that both Building Contractors and PV installation companies may be interested in this opportunity and can propose solutions which will answer the following questions: • Is it feasible to install circa. 6MW and 15,000 no. of Solar PV panels within two years in the current climate? • What are the biggest risks you can foresee for a project of this scale and speed? • Is this a project you would be interested in bidding for with the currently set timescales i.e. two years? o If not, what timescale would you propose? • How would you ensure compliance with the Modern Slavery Act, particularly in the sourcing of the PV panels given the issues surrounding modern slavery issues in the market? • How would you secure panel stock given the current demand for Solar PV and other issues e.g. silicon shortages? • How far in advance is it possible to secure stock and price? • How would you propose in terms of methodology and programme for the building remedial works; design and installation of PV be undertaken? There may be an opportunity for presentations / visits to be arranged as part of this market research stage. A small number of Campus Buildings have already undergone installation as part of a pilot project with JA Solar JAM72D10-410/ MB, however the University will accept proven equivalent models/ manufacturers. Interested suppliers may be invited to meet with us virtually or in person in November 2021 to discuss proposals further. The contract reference is NU/1727. The deadline for expressing an interest is 18.11.2021 at 12.00 BST. To do so, please email Gill Mournian gillian.mournian@ncl.ac.uk. Lot 1: As part of the Newcastle University’s carbon reduction strategy and in pursuit of our net zero by 2030 target, we are seeking to appoint either one or a number of contractors to design; supply; install and commission roof mounted Solar PV systems (capacities to be proposed by the contractor), with accompanying Solar PV health monitoring and data collection platform, on approx. 65 buildings across the University Campus within a two year period. Contractors may be interested in supply and installation, supply only, installation only or remedial works. The buildings in question vary in age and construction (including listed buildings) and some structural and remedial works will be required prior to PV being installed. All solar photovoltaic systems would need to comply with standards laid out by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) MIS 3002 3.3 and all solar photovoltaic system components must also be MCS approved. This PIN is designed to alert the market to our future intent to tender for this requirement and to give prospective bidders the opportunity to indicate if the requirements of this project are achievable within the proposed timeframe. We are looking for contractors to propose solutions for both carrying out remedial/structural works and insuring the integrity of the buildings and/or installing the PV systems. We estimate that whilst the majority of the cost for this requirement will be the PV element, the building work will also form a significant proportion (possibly 55/45% respectively) and it is therefore envisaged that both Building Contractors and PV installation companies may be interested in this opportunity and can propose solutions which will answer the following questions: • Is it feasible to install circa. 6MW and 15,000 no. of Solar PV panels within two years in the current climate? • What are the biggest risks you can foresee for a project of this scale and speed? • Is this a project you would be interested in bidding for with the currently set timescales i.e. two years? o If not, what timescale would you propose? • How would you ensure compliance with the Modern Slavery Act, particularly in the sourcing of the PV panels given the issues surrounding modern slavery issues in the market? • How would you secure panel stock given the current demand for Solar PV and other issues e.g. silicon shortages? • How far in advance is it possible to secure stock and price? • How would you propose in terms of methodology and programme for the building remedial works; design and installation of PV be undertaken? There may be an opportunity for presentations / visits to be arranged as part of this market research stage. A small number of Campus Buildings have already undergone installation as part of a pilot project with JA Solar JAM72D10-410/ MB, however the University will accept proven equivalent models/ manufacturers. Interested suppliers may be invited to meet with us virtually or in person in November 2021 to discuss proposals further. The contract reference is NU/1727. The deadline for expressing an interest is 19.11.2021 at 12.00 BST. To do so, please email Gill Mournian gillian.mournian@ncl.ac.uk.