Grow Solar Milwaukee + Waukesha Counties 2026 RFP

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) seeks qualified solar installation firms to design, procure, and install residential and small commercial photovoltaic (PV) systems as part of a group purchasing program in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties, Wisconsin. This bulk buying initiative aims to reduce solar installation costs through group purchasing, competitive contractor selection, and advantageous pricing structures. The program will operate from Spring/Summer 2026 through February 28, 2027.

The selected contractor(s) will be responsible for all aspects of PV system installation including site assessments, system design, cost estimates, permitting (building and electrical), incentive applications (Focus On Energy rebates and Inflation Reduction Act incentives), inspections, interconnection agreements, and customer support. Installations must be completed and operational by February 28, 2027 unless an extension is granted. The contractor must provide weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly progress reports tracking lead status, site assessments, cost estimates, contracts signed, system energization, system specifications, and estimated production data.

Key timeline milestones include: RFP announcement on February 20, 2026; questions due March 6, 2026; firm selection March 23-27, 2026; participant list available April 2, 2026; Solar Power Hour educational sessions May through August 2026; site assessments May through September 2026; participant decisions September 30, 2026; and installations beginning May 2026 with completion by February 28, 2027. The MREA will conduct minimum six free public information sessions with webinar and in-person options.

Minimum required qualifications include at least one NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional, licensed electrical contractor(s), proof of insurance, at least 200 kW of residential solar installation experience, adherence to SEIA Solar Business Code, and becoming a Focus On Energy Trade Ally and IRA Registered Contractor. Proposals must include firm profile, main contacts, qualifications of project team, business practices documentation (including sample site assessments and contracts), work quality descriptions, and customer service information. Desired qualifications earning up to 27 additional points include Wisconsin principal place of business, additional NABCEP credential-holders in fieldwork, Master Electricians on staff, union labor agreements, weatherization/energy audit specialization, roofing company partnerships, B Corporation or employee-owned status, MWBE partnerships, and first-time bidder status.