Rooftop solar PV installations: Procurement specifications and financial business case modelling - Net Zero Go
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Rooftop solar PV installations: Procurement specifications and financial business case modelling

A guide for public sector bodies on criteria to include in specifications for procuring rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The document also helps you avoid common pitfalls – like unclear contractor briefs or missed DNO steps – and ensures your installations are safe, efficient, and future-proofed.

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A guide for public sector bodies on criteria to include in specifications for procuring rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. It assumes that installations will be generating principally for on-site use with any excess sold to the grid under Smart Export Guarantees (SEG). Separate specifications will be required if the system is required to export to a third-party customer via a private wire.

If you’re working on decarbonising your estate, this guidance is a real time-saver. It gives you a ready-made, best-practice specification for rooftop solar PV – no need to start from scratch. It’s especially useful if you’re managing multiple sites or working with Salix or PSDS funding, as it aligns with their expectations.

The document also helps you avoid common pitfalls – like unclear contractor briefs or missed DNO steps – and ensures your installations are safe, efficient, and future-proofed. Whether you’re new to solar or scaling up, this is a solid foundation to build from.


Key benefits for local authority teams

  • Standardised procurement: Offers a clear, consistent specification template to streamline procurement and reduce ambiguity in contractor responses.
  • Risk reduction: Helps mitigate common technical and delivery risks by setting out best practice requirements.
  • Improved quality assurance: Encourages high standards in design, installation, and commissioning, ensuring long-term performance and safety.
  • Supports funding compliance: Aligns with requirements from schemes like the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) and Salix Finance.
  • Scalable for multiple sites: Designed to be adaptable across a portfolio of buildings, from schools to leisure centres.

Highlights from the guide

  • Specification template: Includes a detailed technical specification covering design, installation, commissioning, and handover – ready to be adapted for tenders.
  • Performance monitoring: Recommends inclusion of remote monitoring systems to track generation and performance over time.
  • Grid connection guidance: Offers practical advice on liaising with Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) – a key area of interest given your recent focus.
  • Health and safety: Emphasises CDM (Construction Design and Management) compliance and safe working at height.
  • Maintenance planning: Encourages early planning for ongoing maintenance and performance checks post-installation.

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