Grow Solar Central Wisconsin 2026 RFP

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is seeking qualified solar installation firms to design, procure, and install residential and small commercial photovoltaic (PV) systems in Marathon, Lincoln, Portage, Waushara, Waupaca, and Wood Counties, Wisconsin as part of a bulk purchasing group buy program. The program aims to lower solar installation costs for participants through competitive contractor selection, advantageous pricing, and rebate structures.

The selected contractor will provide site assessments and system design cost estimates at no charge to participants, handle all permitting (building and electrical), complete and submit all incentive applications including Focus on Energy rebates and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) incentives, schedule and pass all inspections, ensure interconnection agreements with utility providers, and provide participants with information regarding energy efficiency measures, federal residential solar energy tax credits, and financing entity introductions. The contractor must become a Focus on Energy trade ally and IRA registered contractor. All installations shall be completed and operational before February 28, 2027.

Key dates include RFP announcement on February 20, 2026, RFP questions due by March 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM CST, firm selection between March 23-27, 2026, participant list availability on April 2, 2026, Solar Power Hours educational sessions May through August 2026, site assessments May through September 2026, participant go/no-go decisions by September 31, 2026, and installation completion by February 28, 2027. Installations may begin as early as June 2026 and continue through February 2027.

The selected contractor(s) will enter into a Master Service Agreement with the MREA defining terms and conditions. The MREA reserves the right to select single, joint, or multiple proposals and may negotiate with or solicit quotes from multiple firms. Weekly, bi-weekly, and/or monthly progress reports are required including lead names, contact information, assessment status, cost estimates, contracts signed, system details, pricing, and production estimates.