Request for Proposals

Poudre Valley REA is soliciting proposals through a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) process for up to 2 megawatts of community solar for locations within the PVREA service territory.

Status: Open
Bid Type: RFP
Closing Date: December 15. 2020

Proposal Information
Community Solar Map, PVREA Service Territory Map
Proposal Form

Contact: CommunitySolarRFP@pvrea.coop

Request for Proposals Q&A

What are the terms of “PVREA-sourced financing?”

The option for PVREA sourced financing means that PVREA will procure financing and pay for the project lump sum, likely with some form of developer-sourced production guarantees. Respondents can offer financing options (i.e. PPA) and also indicate a willingness to consider PVREA-sourced financing.

Any interest in storage for peak mitigation?

No, PVREA is not seeking energy storage through this RFP.

Are there any requirements for the type of off takers?

No, PVREA has not specified a particular type of co-op member as the off taker for the project (e.g., commercial, residential, non-profit, low-to-moderate income, etc.).

Can you receive information on specific sites?

As described in the RFP, you can request additional more detailed system map information. You may also submit a Pre-Application Report Request for additional information.

For the documentation of site control, does a Term Sheet that provides us with the exclusive right to secure a Site Lease Option for 6-12 months work for this RFP requirement?

Yes, that is sufficient to prove that you have the right to develop the project.

For 1.15.5, the “dispatch characteristics”: Other than ramp rate and 8760 data, what all would you be looking for here? And in what format (Excel spreadsheet with calculations, graphs, narrative, etc.) Please include the information as a chart or figure.

The ramp rate is most important PVREA analysis, but the ability to respond to real-time curtailment signal is also vital. Please include the information as a chart or figure in the document. PVREA will ask for additional information if needed.

For the “Peak Modeled Net MWh for Each Month (Year 1)” - is this the maximum MWh produced in 1 hour each month? Or is it the maximum MHh produced in 1 day each month?

Hourly data is preferred, as this will help PVREA examine interconnection cost (substation load, etc.)

Is PVREA placing greater weight on projects that are located in urban areas vs. more rural areas? Or should we assume those are being scored the same, as long as there is still hosting capacity on the substation (according to the hosting capacity map)?

No preference exists regarding urban vs. rural sites. PVREA will consider the overall suitability of the site in the context of the surrounding landscape, such as integration with nearby agriculture or “curb appeal” if near residential development.

Evening peak propensity, reflecting PVREA’s load profile - can you clarify what you’re looking for here? Should we assume that projects should be submitted with storage attached or will the use of single-axis trackers suffice?

Energy storage is not being considered with this RFP. Single axis trackers are likely one approach to extending production into more valuable evening hours.

Will a response be considered responsive if it includes an installation on non-PVREA territory land if the interconnection can be made on an adjacent PVREA distribution feeder?

Projects that can be interconnected to PVREA's distribution system will be considered, regardless of whether the footprint of the project is actually in PVREA's service territory.

In terms of priority, which location is more favorable for PVREA?

We are unable to state a preference for one site or another, although the RFP does state the characteristics that we are seeking, including the capacity available at nearby substations.

Can you please send me your W9 so we can issue a check?

Yes PVREA can provide a W-9.

Will PVREA handle and be economically responsible for all customer subscription acquisition and management? To be clear, the system owner will not incur any additional expenses, correct?

Yes, PVFREA will handle all the subscription acquisition and management. The system owner will not incur any additional costs from the community solar arrangement.

Can you give us any indication of the interconnection timeline we should be expecting? How long is the interconnection study process and how is that timeline split between the impact study, facility study, etc.?

If selected, the full interconnection study (impact and facility) usually takes 4-6 weeks. Remember that PVREA will incur much of the expense shown in the facility study (interconnection costs).

To clarify this statement - "Respondent should provide a description of the financing plan for the project to support the commercial operation date of the facility" -this is primarily trying to ascertain how we will achieve funding to construct the asset?

Yes, PVREA wants to understand the overall viability of the project. Applicants can provide an overview of applicant supplied financing or a statement that the applicant wishes to explore financing provided by PVREA.

Is PVREA willing to accept submission of our bid evaluation fee via a wire transfer?

Unfortunately, we will need you to mail a check.

Are you looking for the developer to propose the liquidated damage amounts?

Yes, this will be reflective of the value of the project and confidence regarding performance.

Is the surety bond or letter of credit just intended to prove that we can pay these damages in the event of a PPA delay or nonperformance?

Yes, extensive delay or non-performance certainly has a cost to PVREA.

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Request for Proposals Q&A