Invitation to Tender for the Full Delivery and Commissioning of a Solar PV System with battery stora

Description

Ground-Mounted Solar PV System at Brymbo Heritage CentreIntroductionBrymbo Heritage Trust (the “Employer”) is seeking proposals from suitably qualified and experienced Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Contractors for the delivery of a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) system with an export capacity of up to 180 kW AC, together with provision for a battery energy storage component, at the Site with a 400 V grid connection, located adjacent to the Brymbo Heritage Visitor Centre.This Invitation to Tender (ITT) provides an opportunity for Contractors to participate in the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of a fully operational solar PV facility. The project represents the first phase of a larger planned renewable energy development, providing scope for future expansion and energy storage integration.The Employer is committed to delivering a high-quality, sustainable, and safe renewable energy installation that maximises energy generation within the planning and technical constraints, aligns with local and national regulatory requirements, and contributes to broader environmental and social objectives. This procurement will be conducted in accordance with Welsh public procurement principles, including compliance with the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023 and relevant guidance under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.Planning and Grid ConnectionPlanning approval for the project was granted on 1 December 2025 under application reference P/2024/1578, subject to a number of conditions. Full planning details, including the list of conditions and associated documents, remain available on the Council’s planning portal, and tenderers are expected to review and comply with all planning requirements when preparing proposals.A grid connection offer has been provided by SP Energy Networks (SPEN), confirming the technical feasibility of connecting the proposed system to the local electricity network. Tenderers must consider the SPEN connection offer in the design, costings, and overall project delivery plan, ensuring that the system is compatible with the local distribution network and capable of delivering reliable power export.Scope of WorksThe primary objective of this tender is to deliver a fully compliant and operational solar PV array, designed to maximise generation capacity while remaining fully within the approved planning envelope and SPEN grid connection constraints. The selected EPC Contractor will be responsible for delivering the project from design to completion, providing all services, materials, equipment, and documentation necessary to ensure the works are completed to the highest technical, regulatory, and safety standards.Modular Approach and Battery StorageWhile the initial focus of the project is the delivery of the solar PV array, the Employer intends for the system to be implemented using a modular approach that enables integration of battery energy storage at this stage and a system that can be expanded in due course. Tenderers are therefore requested to:- Prioritise delivery of a high-performance PV system, maximising generation capacity within the planning and technical constraints.- Demonstrate how battery storage can be integrated now and in subsequent phases with minimal redesign or operational disruption.- Provide itemised costs, technical specifications, and integration options for battery storage, enabling the Employer to make informed decisions on staged deployment.This approach ensures that the PV array can operate at full capacity immediately, while providing flexibility for energy storage expansion as funding, programme considerations, or operational requirements permit.Project TimingThe EPC contract is anticipated to be awarded by end of January 2026, with detailed design and construction activities commencing immediately thereafter. Tenderers are required to provide realistic programme schedules that reflect all stages of the project, including design, procurement, construction, testing, commissioning, and handover. Key milestones should be clearly identified, demonstrating the Contractor’s ability to deliver the project on time and within the agreed parameters.Post-Construction ServicesFollowing completion of the works, the Contractor may be required to provide warranty support and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) services for a minimum period of two years, with the option for contract extensions beyond this period. Tenderers should outline their approach to post-construction support, including:- Monitoring and reporting system performance- Preventative maintenance schedules- Rapid response to operational or technical issues- Support for potential future battery integrationThis ensures the long-term reliability, efficiency, and safety of the solar PV installation.Opportunity SummaryThis ITT represents a unique opportunity for qualified EPC Contractors to deliver a high-quality, grid-connected solar PV system that contributes to local renewable energy capacity and sustainability objectives. The project forms the first phase of a larger development, offering potential for future expansion and energy storage deployment. Tenderers are encouraged to submit proposals that balance technical excellence, value for money, and long-term operational performance, while demonstrating innovation, reliability, and social value consistent with Welsh public procurement principles.Submission RequirementsPlease refer to the Bidding Document for full details and templates.Site visits will be taking place on Monday 5th January 2026. Please contact kate.harcus@storibrymbo.com to book a slot.Deadline for responses to this ITT is 23:59 on 11th January 2026. Interviews will take place on Wednesday 14th January 2026 - successful applicants will be notified by 9am Tuesday 13th January 2026.ConclusionThe Employer seeks to engage a Contractor capable of delivering a fully operational, high-performance solar PV facility, with a clear pathway for future battery storage integration. This ITT provides the framework for EPC Contractors to submit comprehensive proposals, showcasing technical expertise, innovation, value for money, and sustainability. The successful Contractor will play a key role in supporting Brymbo Heritage Trust’s renewable energy ambitions and delivering a facility that provides long-term operational reliability and environmental benefit.NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Sell2Wales Web Site at https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=159461.The buyer has indicated that it will accept electronic responses to this notice via the Postbox facility. A user guide is available at https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/sitehelp/help_guides.aspx.Suppliers are advised to allow adequate time for uploading documents and to dispatch the electronic response well in advance of the closing time to avoid any last minute problems. Tenderers may request a site visit, which can be arranged for Monday 5 January 2026. Please contact kate.harcus@storibrymbo.com to arrange this by 22nd December 2025. Attendance at a site visit is optional but strongly recommended to enable tenderers to familiarise themselves with the Site, access constraints, and existing conditions.All submissions must use the templates provided within the Bidding Document and be emailed to kate.harcus@storibrymbo.comby the stated deadline. The deadline for submission of tenders is 8:00 am on Monday 12 January 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.Shortlisted tenderers may be invited to attend clarification interviews, which are scheduled to take place on Wednesday 14 January 2026. Interviews will be used to clarify aspects of the submitted proposals and will not provide an opportunity to materially alter tender submissions.It is anticipated that the contract will be awarded by the end of January 2026, with mobilisation and works commencing immediately thereafter. The Contractor will be required to complete all works, including testing, commissioning, and handover, by 31 May 2026, in accordance with the agreed programme.All clarification questions relating to this ITT must be submitted in writing by 22 December 2025. Responses to clarification questions will be shared with all tenderers to ensure a fair and transparent procurement process.The Employer reserves the right not to award a contract and is not bound to accept the lowest or any tender.(WA Ref:159461)Under the terms of this contract the successful supplier(s) will be required to deliver Community Benefits in support of the authority’s economic and social objectives. Accordingly, contract performance conditions may relate in particular to social and environmental considerations. The Community Benefits included in this contract are:Local Employment & Skills – Employ local labour where possible and provide at least one apprenticeship, work placement, or skills development opportunity.Local Supply Chain – Engage local SMEs for subcontracting and procurement where feasible.Community Engagement & Education – Support at least one educational or community activity, such as site visits, talks, or informational materials on renewable energy.Environmental & Social Responsibility – Minimise disruption, promote waste reduction, recycling, and biodiversity protection.Fair Work & Ethical Employment – Comply with fair pay, safe working conditions, and the Welsh Government’s Code of Practice on Ethical Employment in Supply Chains.Community Legacy – Contribute to lasting benefits, e.g., training materials or educational displays on the solar PV system.Monitoring & Reporting – Provide a Community Benefit Plan with progress updates at agreed project milestones.