How to RFP a Solar PPA — A Procurement Playbook
Step-by-step RFP guide for businesses going to market for a solar PPA. Brief structure, bidder questions, scoring matrix and red flags.
Why most PPA tenders go wrong
Off-takers either send a 4-page email to 5 providers and get 5 different scope responses, or they engage a consultant who designs a 90-page tender no provider can sensibly answer. There's a middle path.
A good PPA RFP has these sections
1. Site overview
Postcode, roof area, year built, planning history, annual kWh, half-hourly profile, DNO connection capacity if known.
2. Commercial terms required
Term length, escalator preference, contract structure (on-site vs sleeved), system size range, REGO transfer requirement.
3. Technical scope
Performance ratio guarantee, O&M scope, M&V protocols, monitoring access, panel + inverter brand acceptance list.
4. Off-taker information
Company structure, audited accounts last 3 years, parent guarantee availability, business horizon.
5. Bidder questions
Provider experience with comparable sites, financing structure, references, EPC contractor accreditations.
6. Evaluation matrix
Weight the answers: typically tariff 35%, term flexibility 15%, technical scope 15%, references 15%, provider quality 10%, ESG credentials 10%.
Common mistakes
- Asking for too many providers (5+) — they share the market and notice over-shopping.
- Demanding firm tariffs before site survey — providers will quote a wide range to protect themselves.
- Mixing PPA with other procurement (lease, asset finance) — providers struggle to bid into multi-route RFPs.
- Setting a too-aggressive timeline (under 8 weeks).
Process timeline that works
- Week 0: RFP issued to 3-4 pre-vetted providers
- Week 2: Bidder questions deadline
- Week 3: Provider site visits
- Week 6: Indicative bids in
- Week 8: Shortlist of 2 invited to BAFO (best and final offer)
- Week 12: Preferred bidder selected; heads of terms
See what tariff your site qualifies for
A 60-second form gives us enough to match your site to providers and return an indicative tariff range within one working day.
Get an indicative PPA tariffAn RFP is only the first stage of the solar PPA process, and knowing what follows helps you ask for the right information up front.
Before you write the brief, make sure everyone on the evaluation panel understands what a power purchase agreement commits the business to.
More in this series
Ask us what a PPA would cost at your site
How to RFP a Solar PPA — A Procurement Playbook — tell us about your site and we'll return an indicative p/kWh tariff for it. Reply by email within one working day.