Resource

UK Solar PPA RFP Template

A procurement-grade RFP structure for UK commercial off-takers going to market for a solar PPA. Six sections covering site overview, commercial terms, technical scope, off-taker info, bidder questions and evaluation matrix.

Section 1: Site overview

• Site address + postcode
• Site lease/freehold status and remaining term
• Year of construction
• Roof area (m²) and orientation
• Roof age and condition assessment available?
• Annual electricity consumption (last 12 months kWh)
• Half-hourly profile if available
• Current import tariff (p/kWh)
• DNO connection capacity if known
• Planning history
• Listed status / heritage considerations

Section 2: Commercial terms required

• Required term length (15/20/25 year preference)
• Escalator preference (fixed / RPI / CPI / zero)
• Contract structure preference (on-site / sleeved / corporate)
• System size range expected
• REGO transfer required: yes / no
• Battery storage required: yes / no
• SEG income allocation: off-taker / provider

Section 3: Technical scope

• Performance ratio guarantee (78%+ required)
• O&M scope minimum (monitoring, cleaning, replacement, insurance)
• M&V protocol (IPMVP Option B preferred)
• Monitoring access for off-taker
• Panel and inverter brand acceptance list

Section 4: Off-taker information

• Company structure (UK Ltd / PLC / charity / public sector)
• Audited accounts last 3 years (provided in data room)
• Parent guarantee availability
• Business horizon at this site
• Sector + sub-sector
• ESG / sustainability commitments

Section 5: Bidder questions

• Provider experience with comparable sites (3 references)
• Funding structure for the SPV
• EPC contractor proposed
• O&M provider proposed
• Indicative tariff range (year 1)
• Escalator type proposed
• Term length proposed
• End-of-term options proposed
• Lead time from heads-of-terms to commissioning

Section 6: Evaluation matrix

Suggested weighting:

Criterion	Weight
Year-1 tariff (lower = better)	30%
25-year cumulative cost (LCOE)	15%
Term flexibility	10%
Technical scope	15%
References (3 deals)	15%
Provider quality (financial standing, ESG, governance)	10%
End-of-term option attractiveness	5%

Process timeline

• 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
• Week 12: Preferred bidder selected
• Month 4-6: Heads-of-terms negotiation
• Month 7-9: Full contract execution
• Month 10-12: Build