Bid 5698 RFP for Solar with Tech Specs

ADVERTISEMENT OF BID NOTICE

Princeton Public Schools

Mercer County, New Jersey

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Princeton Board of Education (“Owner”) will receive bids for a Power Purchase Agreement, in accordance with the requirements of the Bid Documents prepared by Fraytak Veisz Hopkins Duthie, P.C. (FVHD), Architects-Planners, www.fvhdpc.com, FVHD Project No. 5698.

Bids will be received for: Power Purchase Agreement – FVHD-5698.

Proposal Documents are available for no fee from the Architect’s website. Requests for electronic project documentation must be made through a registered account via the FVHD Contractor Portal at https://www.fvhdpc.com/contractors. There is no cost to create an account at the FVHD Contractor Portal. Hard copies are available for $50 per set. A check or money order should be made payable to Fraytak Veisz Hopkins Duthie, P.C. A direct shipping account number (FedEx or UPS) and preferred shipping speed must also be provided.

A Pre-Proposal Meeting is scheduled for Marh 5, 2026, 10:00 AM, at the Princeton Board of Education, 25 Valley Road, Princeton, NJ 08540. A facilities site walk will immediately follow the conclusion of the meeting. It is mandatory that someone from the Proposal Team conduct a facility inspection at each project site. There will not be scheduled facility inspections other than the site walk immediately following the Pre-Proposal Meeting.

Sealed Bids are due by March 31, 2026, 2:00 PM to the Princeton Board of Education, Attn: Andrew Harris, 25 Valley Road, Princeton, NJ 08540, and will be publicly opened and read immediately thereafter. No Proposals shall be received by the Princeton Board of Education after the time and manner specified within the RFP. The Owner reserves the right to reject and all proposals if deemed by the District to be in its best interests, to the extent permitted by the law pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-22, and to waive minor informalities or non-material exceptions, that may be in the best interest of the Owner.

Proposals shall be submitted in duplicate (one original and one copy) in a sealed envelope, addressed to the Owner, bearing the name and address of the bidder, and clearly marked “PROPOSAL” with the contract title and/or project number on the outside of the envelope and must be accompanied by a Certified Check, Cashier's Check or Bid Bond drawn to the order of the Owner in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the amount of the bid, but in no case in excess of $20,000; and must be delivered to the Princeton Board of Education, Attn: Andrew Harris, 25 Valley Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 to the above place on or before the hour named. The Board of Education and the Architect assume no responsibility for bids mailed or misdirected in delivery.

Proposers are required to comply with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 10:5-31, et seq. and N.J.A.C. 17:27-1, et seq., concerning affirmative action and equal employment pursuant to the “Public Works Contractor Registration Act” (P.L. 1999, C238). Proposers and their subcontractors are required to be registered with the New Jersey Department of Labor and to possess a current certificate by said Department including compliance with the Act.

All Proposals shall be in accordance with the RFP requirements and fully comply with the requirements of the Department of Education (“DOE”), Division of Consumer Affairs (“DCA”), Public School Contracts Law, Office of Clean Energy requirements for renewable energy systems (www.njcleanenergy.com) and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (“BPU”).

Proposers are required to submit a Statement of Ownership Disclosure with the Proposal, in compliance with N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2 (P.L. 1977, c. 33), and complete all other forms provided with the RFP.

The issuance of this RFP is not intended to, and shall not be construed to, commit the Owner to execute any agreement. Neither the Owner, nor any of its consultants, shall be liable for any claims or damages resulting from the solicitation or receipt of Proposals in response to this RFP, nor will there be any reimbursement to Proposers for the cost of preparing the Proposal or for participating in the RFP process. By submitting a Proposal in response to this RFP, the Proposers accept and consent to the procurement process selected by the Owner, and the Proposer waives any and all claims to same.

All Proposals will become the property of the Owner and will not be returned. Reasonable efforts will be taken by the Owner to keep confidential, as permitted by law, such information that is properly identified by the Proposer as being confidential or proprietary in nature.

The submission of a Proposal will constitute a conclusive and binding representation by the Proposer that it has agreed to, and complied with, every requirement of this RFP, that the procurement process has been conducted and implemented in a legally permissible manner and that the Proposal documents are sufficient in scope and detail to indicate and convey the understanding of the parties as to all terms and conditions for performance hereunder.

Princeton Public Schools

Andrew Harris, Business Administrator/Board Secretary

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1: RFP Introduction and General Information…………………………………………

Section 2: Terms and Conditions……………………………………………………………….

Section 3: Scope of Services…………………………………………………………………..

Section 4: Instructions & Evaluation Criteria…………………………………………………..

Appendices…………………………………………………………………………………….

Appendix A – Proposal Form…………………………………………………………..

Appendix B – Expected and Guaranteed Annual kWh Production…………..………..

Appendix C – Acknowledgement of Addenda ……………………………….……….

Appendix D – Roofing Areas & Preferred Array Locations …………………………..

Other Appendices – Other Required Forms, Disclosures, Certificates, Statements, etc……….

Section 1: RFP Introduction and General Information

The Princeton Board of Education (“Owner”), in keeping with the goals and mission elements of the Princeton Public Schools community, is requesting bids from qualified Bidders to specifically provide substantial savings to the ongoing operations of the Owner educational facilities, enhance community partnerships, and to demonstrate a commitment to responsible environmental stewardship. In partnership with the New Jersey Energy Savings Improvement Program (“ESIP”), the ESIP contractor and the Awarded Bidder, the BOE shall demonstrate the Owner’s commitment to:

• Maximize savings through a lower electric rate provided by a Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA);

• Offset as much of the District’s electric usage as possible;

• Improve the environmental sustainability of the Owner;

• Strengthen the Owner’s reputation within the community and state-wide; and

• Provide the potential for energy storage to the Princeton Public Schools, either immediately or in the future.

Bidders shall submit proposed PPA rates based upon the information contained within this RFP. The final RFP rate, terms, and conditions will be determined between the Owner and the Selected Proposer. Proposers shall submit, with their proposal, the template PPA version they intend on using for this Project, subject to the Owner’s review. Proposers submitting proposals must have the ability to obtain PPA financing. Given the multiple facets that constitute a solar development project, multiple parties may jointly submit Proposals in partnership, joint venture,

or other legal structure. Proposals will be evaluated based on the qualifications of the Proposer, scope of services to be provided, and proposal price offered pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:18A: -4.6 and N.J.A.C. 5:34-4.1, et seq.

1.1 List of Facilities Included in this RFP

Princeton High School, 151 Moore Street, Princeton, NJ 08540

Princeton Middle School, 217 Walnut Lane, Princeton, NJ 08540

Community Park School, 372 Witherspoon Street Princeton, NJ 0854

Johnson Park School, 285 Rosedale Road, Princeton, NJ 08540

Littlebrook School, 39 Magnolia Lane, Princeton, NJ 08540

Riverside School, 58 Riverside Drive Princeton, NJ 08540

1.2 Preliminary Utility Interconnection Information

If the electric distribution company interconnection review concludes that interconnection approval can be granted with electrical upgrades to the facilities; then the Awarded Bidder shall bear the cost up to $50,000 for Utility required safety and monitoring equipment. If the Utility required upgrades are in excess of $50,000 per site to gain interconnection approval for any one Solar Energy System (SES), then the Awarded Bidder shall have the option to remove that SES from the PPA contract without penalty and without any further obligation to proceed with the SES. The Owner may also consider an adjustment to the PPA pricing, if the actual interconnection costs are higher than the $50,000 per site estimate in order to proceed with the SES’s. This adjustment will be at the option of the BOE based on the evaluation of total additional cost and a fair assessment to the PPA rate increase requested by the Awarded Bidder to cover those additional costs.

Section 2: Terms and Conditions

The Selected Proposer shall be required to provide a turnkey Solar PV system at each of the sites included in this RFP. The Solar PV systems shall be developed and owned by the Selected Proposer through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in which the engineering, design, materials, installation, operation, and maintenance of these Solar PV system shall be at the responsibility of the Selected Proposer through the life of the term of the PPA. The selected proposer will also be responsible for the complete technical design and engineering of the solar energy system, as well as for obtaining and/or arranging all permits, inspections, reviews, and approvals, satisfying all utility interconnection and net metering requirements and arranging and/or preparing all necessary governmental and utility inspections and applications related thereto; geotechnical and structural analyses and wind load calculations; procuring all materials and components; and the successful completion and commissioning of the Project.

2.1 Renewable Energy Certificates

The Selected Proposer shall own the rights to the Renewable Energy Certificates (REC’s) during the term of the PPA. If at any point the Owner purchases the Solar PV Systems, the rights to the REC’s and any other environmental benefit shall be transferred to the Owner.

2.2 Purchase Options

It shall be part of the Power Purchase Agreement that the Owner shall have the option to purchase the system at the end of the 15-year term at fair market value. There shall also be early buyout options in the PPA that allows the Owner to purchase the systems after 10 years at fair market value.

2.3 End of Term Removal of System

If the Owner elects not to purchase the systems at the end of the PPA term or extend the life of the PPA, the PPA Proposer shall be required to remove all equipment installed and return the sites to their original condition, with exception of normal wear and tear. The proposer shall remove the solar project within ninety (90) days of the end of the service term.

2.4 End of Term PPA Extension

Within the PPA, the Owner shall have the option to extend the life of the Agreement for a five-year term at the end of the PPA, or as permitted by law.

2.5 Approval/Compliance with Laws

The Selected Proposer shall be required to obtain all necessary Federal, State, and Local approvals prior to construction commencement. The proposal shall be in accordance with the RFP requirements and fully comply with the requirements of the Department of Education (DOE), Department of Community Affairs (DCA), Local Public School Contracts Law, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Office of Clean Energy requirements for renewable energy systems, and the New Jersey District of Public Utilities (BPU) requirements.

2.6 Cost of Proposal

All Proposers shall incur the cost of their submittal. The Owner shall not be responsible for any proposal costs.

2.7 Required Qualifications

All contractors and subcontractors that take part in these installations must be properly licensed in the State of New Jersey and shall comply with the Public Works Contractor Registration Act (N.J.S.A. 34:11-56.48) and laws applicable to public works contracts, such as the Prevailing Wage Act (N.J.S.A. 34:11-56.25 et seq.). The General Contractor named in the Selected Proposal must be registered with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Pursuant to the Public Works Contractor Registration Act and pre-qualified by the Division of Property Management and Construction (DPMC).

2.8 Hazardous Material

If at any point during the installation the Selected Proposer encounters hazardous material, they are to notify the Owner and cease work at that site. If any delays are incurred by the discovery and removal of this hazardous material the Selected Proposer’s completion date shall be adjusted accordingly.

2.9 Insurance Requirements

The Selected Proposer shall be required to obtain and maintain always during the term of the PPA as a direct cost of operation, insurance coverage as directed by the District, which shall include the below listed types of insurance with limits of liability in at least the amounts listed below. Such coverage shall be obtained from an insurance company authorized and licensed to do business in the State of New Jersey, with a rating of not less than “A-” in the current AM Best Manual and must be approved by the Owner.

(A) Commercial General Liability Coverage in the amount of $2,000,000. Each Occurrence; $2,000,000 Personal Injury Limit: $2,000,000 General Aggregate; and $2,000,000 Products-Completed Operations Aggregate.

(B) Casualty and Property Damage in the amount equal to the replacement of value of all Renewable Energy Projects.

(C) Workers’ Compensation Coverage as statutorily required by the State of New Jersey for all employees of Successful Proposer. Employers’ Liability coverage on the Workers Compensation Polity shall be written in the minimal amount of $1,000,000.

(D) Excess Liability Coverage, in the amount of $5,000,000 per occurrence and $5,000,000 aggregate, shall be in the form of an Umbrella policy.

(E) Comprehensive Automobile Liability Coverage, in an amount not less than $1,000,000 per accident.

(F) Professional Liability Insurance (errors and omissions) in the amount of $1,000,000 per claim.

All the required insurance policies, except Worker’s Compensation, shall include the Owner as an additional insured. Evidence of such coverage being in place shall be promptly delivered to the Owner’s offices, Attn: Business Administrator prior to the commencement of the term of the PPA.

2.10 Taxes

The Selected Proposer shall be responsible for the payment of all taxes that that may be imposed upon any aspect of the Solar PV or energy storage components or installation. The Proposer’s PPA rate must be inclusive of applicable sales & use taxes.

2.11 Qualifications of Sureties

The Surety must be licensed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey to transact business as a surety company in the state of New Jersey. The Surety providing the relevant bond(s) shall satisfy the requirements of N.J.S.A. 40A:11-4.1 as amended.

2.12 Consent of Surety

Each Proposer shall submit a Consent of Surety with their proposal substantially similar to the form provided in Appendix E - Form of Consent of Surety for Construction Performance Bond, executed by a surety company qualified to do business in New Jersey, who shall, at the time of submission, agree that in the event of an award, the surety shall furnish a construction performance bond in the amount of 100% of the costs of designing, constructing, and installing the Renewable Energy Projects.

2.13 Proposal Bond

Each Proposer shall submit a certified check, cashier’s check, or proposal bond in the amount of $20,000, payable to the Princeton Public Schools. The Proposal Bond shall be accompanied by Power of Attorney for the full amount of the Proposal Bond from a surety company authorized to do business in the State of New Jersey. The check or bond of the Selected Proposer to whom the PPA is awarded shall be retained until a PPA and other required documents are executed, and the required Construction Performance Bond is submitted to the Owner.

The Selected Proposer who is awarded the contract shall give a Construction Performance Bond in the amount of 100% of the costs of designing, constructing, and installing the Renewable Energy Projects, which shall be cancelled and returned upon installation and commencement of commercial operation of the projects. The Construction Performance Bond may be provided by the Selected Proposer’s subcontractor.

2.15 Affirmative Action Requirements

The Selected Proposer shall comply with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 and N.J.A.C. 17:27-1, et seq. (Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity), refer to Appendix K - Affirmative Action Compliance/Mandatory EEO Language.

2.16 Business Registration Certificate

All Proposers must be registered to work in the State of New Jersey and submit with their proposal a copy of their Business Registration Certificate.

2.17 Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

The Selected Proposer agrees to abide by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101, et seq.) which prohibits discrimination based on disability by public entities in all services, programs and activities provided or made available by public entities.

2.18 Responsibility for Tax Advice

By submitting a response to this RFP, all Proposers acknowledge that the Owner nor its attorneys or other advisors are rendering any advice or opinion in connection with any federal and state tax matters set in this RFP.

2.19 Prevailing Wages

The Selected Proposer and/or its subcontractors shall pay no less than the prevailing wage rate to workers employed in the performance of any contract for the project, in accordance with the rate determined by the commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development pursuant to N.J.S.A. 34:11-56.25, et seq.

2.20 Disclosure of Contributions to New Jersey ELEC

Respondents are advised that, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 44A:20.27, all business entities who have received contracts valued more than $50,000 from public entities in any calendar year must file an annual disclosure statement of political contributions with New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC). Respondents are responsible for determining if filling is necessary.

2.21 Letter of Financing Guarantee

A letter from the entity that will be providing the financing to install the renewable energy project at Princeton Public Schools is required. The letter is to be signed by the financing party guaranteeing that the funds are available for these projects.

2.22 Criminal History Background Checks

When applicable, the Proposer, shall provide to the District prior to commencement of contract, evidence, or proof that each employee assigned to provide services and that comes in regular contact with students, has had a criminal history background check, and furthermore, that said background check indicates that no criminal history record information exists on file for that worker. Failure to provide a proof of criminal history background check for any employee coming in regular contact with students, prior to commencement of contact, may be cause for breach of contract.

2.23 Debarment, Suspension, or Disqualification

Princeton Public Schools will not enter a contract for work with any person, company or firm that is on the State Department of Labor and Workforce Development; Prevailing Wage Debarment List, or the State of New Jersey Consolidated Debarment Report (www.state.nj.us/treasury/debarred). Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:32-44.1 (a), any person that is debarred at the federal level from contracting with a federal government agency shall be debarred from contracting for any public work in this State.

All Proposers are required to submit a sworn statement indicating whether the entity listed on the proposal form, or any person employed by this entity, or the person’s affiliates are debarred from contracting with a federal government agency, nor debarred from contracting with the State of New Jersey. The District shall verify the certification by consulting:

• New Jersey Department of Treasury – Consolidated Debarment Report

• NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development – Prevailing Wage Debarment List

• Federal Debarred Vendor List—System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

2.25 Form of Agreement: Template PPA

All Proposers shall submit, with their Proposal, the template PPA version they intend to use if selected, subject to review and approval by the Owner.

2.26 Incentives

The Owner makes no representations to the availability of incentives. The Selected Proposer is responsible for identifying, designing the project to meet the requirements, and attaining all incentives available. The Owner shall not accept contingent Proposals, including Proposals or proposed PPA prices that are contingent on specific incentive programs and amounts.

2.27 Temporary Shutdown of the Solar Facility

The Owner shall not cause the Solar Project to shut down temporarily, unless in the case of emergency or in a Force Majeure Event for more than a total of ten (10) days in any two (2) consecutive contract years, whether scheduled or as a result of an emergency, negligent act or omission caused by the Owner (a “Temporary Shutdown”). Further, the Owner shall make its best efforts not to schedule a Temporary Shutdown during the Solar Project’s peak production months of April through August. The Owner shall communicate to the Selected Proposer the commencement date and expected duration of any such Temporary Shutdown as far in advance of the commencement of the Temporary Shutdown as practicable. In the event the duration of the Temporary Shutdown is in excess of ten (10) days in any two (2) consecutive contract years, the Owner shall pay to the Selected Proposer an amount equal to the following: (i) the reasonable cost to remove and re-install or shutdown and reinitiate the Solar Project or portion of the Solar Project; (ii) the cost, if any, of lost solar energy production during the period of Temporary Shutdown in excess of the ten (10) days in any two (2) consecutive contract years at the PPA Price then in effect; and (iii) an amount attributable to any lost solar renewable energy credits, if any, calculated at the Selected Proposer’s actual out-or-pocket loss in excess of the ten (10) days in any two (2) consecutive contract years.

2.28 Commercial Operation Date – Guaranteed Completion Date & Liquidated Damages

Proposer shall provide a Commercial Operation Date and Guaranteed Completion Date for each site receiving a solar PV system. In the event the Commercial Operation Date has not been achieved by the Guaranteed Completion Date for any school, the Selected Proposer shall be liable for delay liquidated damages of $1,000 per day for each day of unexcused delay until the Commercial Operation Date is achieved. The Commercial Operation Date shall commence after: (i) no less than eighty percent (80%) of the nameplate capacity has been installed; and (ii) the Selected Proposer has acquired all permits necessary to authorize the production, sale and delivery of energy in the intended amounts hereunder; and (iii) the Selected Proposer gives the Owner written notice that the Solar Project is mechanically complete and has been approved for interconnected operation by the applicable utility and capable of providing energy to the Selected Proposers meter at each respective school.

2.29 Electrical Interconnections

The Selected Proposer shall supply and install all equipment required to interconnect the Solar Projects to the utility electric distribution system as net-metered solar energy systems. The Selected Proposer shall complete all applications, studies, and testing procedures to complete the interconnection process. All costs associated with utility interconnections shall be borne by the Selected Proposer, except those costs already incurred to date.

2.30 Mandatory Provisions to Include in Form of Power Purchase Agreement

A. A requirement that the Proposer, upon expiration of the contract term or upon earlier termination of the PPA for any reason, remove the entire solar energy system from the Owner’s property and restore the Owner’s property to its condition prior to installation of the solar energy system, reasonable wear and tear excepted. The removal of the solar energy system and the restoration of the Owner’s property must be done at the Proposer’s sole cost and expense; no costs, fees, or charges for removal or restoration shall be assessed against or incurred by the Owner under any circumstances.

B. A provision which the Proposer to reimburse the Owner in the amount of $85,000.00 for the professional services expenses it incurred in relation to the preparation for and procurement of the PPA. This payment must be paid immediately upon execution of the PPA.

C. The Proposer accepts all of the Owner’s property in as-is, where-is condition with all faults, known and unknown. The Owner makes no warranties regarding property condition, structural capacity, roof condition, electrical systems, soil conditions, solar access, or suitability for solar installation. The Owner will not be required to make any modifications, improvements, or repairs to accommodate installation. If any modifications to the Owner’s property are necessary, the Proposer will perform the required modifications at its cost or adjust the system design accordingly (subject to the guaranteed minimum production set forth in the proposal).

D. Provide the following documentation as to the Proposer (if the Proposer is performing work) and all subcontractors: Notice of Classification from DPMC, as issued by the State of New Jersey, Department of Treasury, Division of Property Management and Construction (DPMC) for C035 Solar Energy Systems and C047 Electrical.

Section 3: Scope of Services

Princeton Public Schools is seeking proposals for onsite solar systems at the locations identified in Section 1.1 List of Facilities Included in this RFP. Use the areas designated in Appendix D – Roofing Areas & Preferred Array Locations.

The Selected Proposer shall provide fully managed PV development services that include, but are not limited to:

• Site assessment;

• System design, engineering, and construction for the PV system, including, timeline/project schedule, equipment and description, layout of equipment and specification for equipment permanent installation;

• Financing;

• Securing the necessary labor, services, equipment, funding, permits and approvals to develop fully operational PV systems at each project site;

• Satisfying all local, state, federal and utility requirements for the solar system;

• Commission, monitor, own, operate, and maintain the systems after installation for the projects sites; and

• Establish and maintain construction standards, safety, and quality control throughout the work.

3.1 Site Assessment and Final Proposal

The Selected Proposer shall assess each site within the Owner, including an analysis of the impact of shading, tilt, and orientation on annual electricity production, and note any electrical, mechanical, or structural considerations that may incur costs above and beyond the PPA rate being offered.

The Selected Proposer shall submit a Final Proposal for each project site including:

• kW DC generating capacity, project layout, configuration, azimuth, tilt angle, de-rate factor, and projected degradation rate of proposed system;

• Projected annual energy generation in kWh for the full period of the PPA and projected monthly energy generation in kWh for year 1 of the PPA;

• Provide hourly production reports for each site in Microsoft Excel format;

• Projected annual PPA costs for the full period of the PPA;

• Proposed PPA rate along with annual escalation, if any, and term of PPA;

• Adder rates to the base PPA rate, per the Price Proposal Sheet; and

• Net present value of PV system.

3.2 PPA Financing

The Owner is seeking third-party ownership, financing, and maintenance agreement with the Selected Proposer. Proposers shall indicate whether guaranteed financing is available, who will be funding the project, and who will own the system for the life of the PPA. Any language required by the proposed financing entity MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH THE PROPOSAL.

3.3 Utility Interconnection

A. The awarded Proposer shall supply and install all equipment required to interconnect the Solar Energy Systems to the utility electric distribution system as net-metered solar energy systems. The Proposer shall complete all applications, studies, and testing procedures to complete the interconnection process. All costs associated with utility interconnection shall be borne by the Proposer.

B. Electric Service Interruptions: The Awarded Proposer must coordinate all interruptions of the BOE’s electric service required for the installation, interconnection, commissioning, startup, and maintenance of the SES’s. This interruption shall not be performed during the BOE’s normal working days/hours. Proposers are required to disclose in this proposal, the physical and operational limitations including the minimum number of hours to be allocated to system shutdown to afford the BOE access to the facilities.

3.4 Environmental Permitting

The Selected Proposer shall be responsible for securing all environmental permits.

3.5 Ground Mount Arrays

There are no ground mount arrays in this RFP.

3.6 Roofs

The roof sections approved for solar by Princeton Public Schools are identified in Appendix D – Roof Areas & Preferred Array Locations. The Selected Proposer shall include the following requirements for their rooftop solar designs:

• All rooftop systems shall provide sufficient spacing to access roof hatches and service rooftop equipment.

• The Selected Proposer shall ensure that any roof and/or solar installation meets or exceeds the roofing manufacturer/warrantor requirements for roof work and solar array installations on their roofing product.

Final system layouts are subject to approval by the Owner.

3.7 Setbacks and Installation

Flat roof installation areas shall require 6’ setbacks from roof edges. For pitched roof areas, refer to the International Building Code 2018 (IBC2018) for setbacks, unless superseded by a local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The installations shall be conducted by the Selected Proposer in conformance with all applicable laws and codes, interconnection requirements, and established industry practices. Site evaluations, installations, and all other onsite work shall be conducted in coordination with all Contractors and shall be completed as quickly and with as little disruption as reasonably possible.

The awarded Proposer shall supply all equipment, materials, and labor necessary to install the Solar Energy Systems (SES) and integrate each SES into the site and with the existing electrical system at the BOE Site, including emergency generation equipment.

The Solar Energy Systems shall be installed at the location shown in Appendix C. The site information is representational; but should be independently confirmed through on-site inspection. Bidders should confirm that PV arrays as proposed can be installed properly, in accordance with all applicable manufacturer’s recommendations (including overburden requirements), within the available space as shown on the site areas depicted in Appendix C and in accordance with Proposer’s on-site inspections.

3.8 Operation, Maintenance and Monitoring

The Selected Proposer shall be responsible for the operation, maintenance, and monitoring of the PV system at each site under the PPA. The Selected Proposer shall make an online interface showing instantaneous and cumulative energy production of each installed PV system accessible to the Owner, which can be used for monitoring purposes.

The Selected Proposer shall be responsible for installing a real-time Data Acquisition System for each site which shows renewable energy production data in kWh, historical production data, and emission offset information.

3.9 Communication

The Selected Proposer shall be required to designate a specific staff member who shall serve as the primary point of contact during the Project Period (Development and Construction). The Selected Proposer shall interface directly with the Owner and its consultants. The Selected Proposer shall provide regular progress updates during the Project Period. The Selected Proposer shall be expected to be responsive and prompt in communications.

3.10 Workdays

A. Construction activities shall adhere to all of the following requirements, as well as any additional requirements directed by the BOE or its representatives to ensure safety and normal operations of the facilities:

● All work to be performed on this project during summer recess and other breaks shall be done at the following hours: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM Monday thru Friday, or other such times as may be designated by the BOE and local ordinances.

● All work to be performed on this project during the school year shall be done at the following hours: Second Shift 2:30 PM – 11:00 PM, Monday thru Friday and First Shift 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM on Saturdays, or other such times as may be designated by the BOE and local ordinances.

● The contractor is responsible for paying for custodial time if they need to work outside the designated work hours to meet the project schedule. See district calendar for additional information.

● The contractor cannot work within the school buildings at any time without prior approval from the BOE.

● All demolition and construction noise and dust to be limited inside the building during hours of operation. The district will decide the limitations on excessive noise and dust.

● The awarded Proposer shall be responsible for submitting a critical path method schedule to the BOE and their designated representative within one week after notice to proceed.

● No construction activities will be allowed until an acceptable schedule has been submitted and the BOE has approved the schedule.

● Notice to proceed shall serve as the commencement date for work on this project.

● All debris shall be removed on a daily basis.

3.11 Quality Assurance

A. UL Compliance (or equivalent third-party safety consulting and certification organization) Materials manufactured within the scope of Underwriters Laboratories shall conform to UL Standards and have an applied UL listing mark (or equivalent). If no UL compliance (or equivalent certification) is available, provide all work in accordance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC). Where required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), material and equipment shall be labeled or listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or other organization acceptable to the AHJ to provide a basis for approval under the NEC.

B. Ensure that all work under the awarded Proposer’s control is conducted in accordance with all applicable safety codes, requirements and practices; including but not limited to, OSHA requirements, local and State safety codes, and specific project requirements as mandated by the BOE. A safety plan must be submitted to and approved by the BOE or its designated representative.

C. The Awarded Proposer shall be responsible for initiating, maintaining and supervising all safety precautions and programs in connection with the work. The Awarded Proposer shall properly ensure individuals working onsite pursuant to the insurance requirements noted herein.

D. The Awarded Proposer Awarded Proposer shall submit to the BOE a site-specific, safety plan detailing procedures for all safety aspects of all trades involved in the work. The safety plan shall be reviewed by the Owner prior to the start of construction.

E. Responsibility to protect and prevent damage to property during removal, relocation or replacement actions rests solely with the Awarded Proposer.

F. The Awarded Proposer shall restore to its original condition without extra costs to the BOE. Property that is damaged due to the acts or omissions of any employees, agents, or subcontractors of the Awarded Proposer. Acceptance of such repairs is subject to the requirements of and approval by the BOE.

G. The Awarded Proposer must take proper care to protect all finished work by substantial covering until accepted by the BOE. To ensure public safety, the Awarded Proposer shall provide the required barricading, cones, safety tape, etc., for all areas which have work in progress.

3.12 Safety

The Selected Proposer shall be responsible for maintaining all safety precautions and programs connected to the work being performed. The Selected Proposer shall ensure that all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines are being practiced by all contractors, subcontractors, and any agents on site at any given time.

3.13 Material Delivery

All major system components shall be delivered to their final location in protective containers. When loading to the roof, the Selected Proposer shall ensure proper placement of point loads. If material is stored on the ground, the Selected Proposer shall use areas approved by the Owner. The Selected Proposer shall work with the Owner to confirm all staging areas are adequate and safe. No roofs are to be loaded by crane while school is in session and students are present in the school.

3.14 Product Considerations

The Selected Proposer shall provide new, high quality, tier 1 (if applicable), UL-listed products and components for the PV system that is being proposed.

3.15 Commissioning

The Selected Proposer shall be responsible for putting together and submitting a written commissioning report to the Owner. The Selected Proposer is required to provide an operation and maintenance manual for each location.

3.16 Warranties

Each Proposer shall clearly describe warranties offered in the Proposal. Proposers should provide requirements that meet or exceed the minimum standards:

• Photovoltaic parcels – 25-year performance warranty with a minimum production of 90% at 10 years and 80% at 25 years; a material and workmanship warranty of 10 years.

• Inverter – 15-year product warranty.

• Racking/Monitoring System – 10-year product warranty.

3.17 Rapid Shutdown Compliance

All solar arrays on the roof of any school shall abide by all applicable codes within the National Electrical Code (N.E.C.) 2017 “Rapid Shutdown for PV Systems on Buildings” requirements.

3.18 License

During the term of the PPA and during construction, the Owner shall grant a license for the limited purpose of installation, operation, and maintenance of the solar system at the sites.

3.19 Technical Requirements

Each Proposer shall provide a technical proposal with design documents that include the following information:

• System description;

• Equipment details and description;

• Estimated layout of installation;

• Installation plan and staging requirements;

• Electrical work;

• Warranties on equipment;

• Integration of solar system with the existing electrical system at the site;

• Planned roof work scope;

• Site preparation, tree removal requirements, asphalt and concrete repairs, and final landscaping;

• Fencing and security measures;

• Electrical grid interconnection requirements;

o Plan for reverse power relay and minimum import relay requirements, configurations, and settings;

• Controls, monitors, and instrumentation; and

• Operations and maintenance manuals (sample).

3.20 Tree Trimming/Removal

The Selected Proposer shall be responsible for tree trimming and tree removal at its cost once the Owner’s representatives have given approval on any request by the Selected Proposer to trim or remove any trees.

3.21 Estimated Production

A. Estimated Combined System Size (all sites): 1,513 kW

B. Solar PV system may only be installed on roof areas indicated in Appendix D – Roofing Areas & Preferred Array Locations.

C. Each Proposer shall provide a calculation based on PV Watts software that outputs the estimated hourly production of each solar energy system, using the assumptions from the actual system design in the proposal. The PV Watts Calculator available at http://pvwatts.nrel.gov/pvwatts.php that depicts the estimated production of each Solar Energy Systems, using the assumptions consistent with the actual system design in the Proposal or as required below. A separate PV Watts analysis should be performed for each separate array at each site. Proposers must use the following PV Watts assumptions:

● Electric Price as specified in the Proposal Form for Historical Electric Price year one (1)

● Solar Panel Type (in accordance with specification in Proposed design); Proposers must use the Standard assumption for modules with less than 19% efficiency.

● Array Type (in accordance with specification in Proposed design)

● DC System Size (in accordance with specification in Proposed design)

● System Losses % assume 15% for all systems

● Clearview Regional High, State of New Jersey location

● Azimuth (in accordance with specification in Proposed design)

● Tilt Angle (in accordance with specification in Proposed design)

The submission of solar energy production calculations using software other than PVWATTS SHALL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

3.22 Annual Electricity Output Reports and Minimum Electricity Output Requirement

The Selected Proposer shall provide an annual report to the Owner based on calculated versus actual electricity output, reduction in carbon footprint, and savings. This report should show monthly integrals. Such report shall be made available to the Owner within thirty (30) days of the end of the electricity output year.

It is preferred that the Selected Proposer shall guarantee a minimum energy output each year of 90% of the projected annual output based on the final design. Because of the non-export requirements, the Owner is open to negotiating this based on the scenario that the solar systems’ energy production may have to be throttled down to avoid exporting power. Each Proposal shall explain what amount of production shall be guaranteed to the Owner, and how that shall be calculated and reconciled.

3.23 Design, Engineering and Permitting

A. The Proposer shall design/engineer the Solar Energy Systems to maximize the solar energy resources at the OWNER sites - taking into consideration the site's electrical demand and load patterns, proposed installation site, available solar resources, applicable permitting and zoning ordinances, installation costs, potential incentives and other relevant factors.

B. For its proposed Solar Energy Systems, each Proposer shall provide a Technical Proposal that shall include design documents that communicate the following information:

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