The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is seeking qualified firms to submit proposals for the design, procurement, and installation of new residential and small commercial photovoltaic systems. This initiative is part of a bulk purchasing group buy program intended to lower costs for customers in the East Central Iowa region. The MREA will coordinate and deliver a minimum of six free, public Solar Power Hour information sessions marketed through email blasts, paid social media promotion, promotional partnerships, and press releases. These educational presentations will be offered in both webinar and in-person formats.
The program encompasses residential solar installations and small commercial photovoltaic systems, with provisions for explaining community solar subscriptions where available within the service territory. The installer will be expected to provide technical expertise during the Solar Power Hour presentations, with MREA arranging presenters for in-person events and hosting virtual sessions. The educational component is designed to reach and inform potential customers about solar energy options and available incentives for both residential and small business/nonprofit customers.
Key project dates include an RFP announcement on February 27, 2025, questions due and posted by March 13, 2025, proposal submission deadline of March 27, 2025, and firm selection on April 2, 2025. Based on MREA's track record between 2013 and 2025, the organization has facilitated over 70 Solar Group Buy programs throughout the Midwest, reaching more than 14,500 individuals through Solar Power Hour sessions and resulting in over 24,900 kW of solar installations on more than 3,400 properties.