Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint an electrical contractor responsible for the design, supply, delivery, installation, and commissioning of a 50kW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system combined with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at NHLS facilities, specifically for the NHLS Eastern Cape St Barnabas Laboratory. The initiative aims to enhance energy resilience, reduce dependence on the national grid, support sustainability goals, and ensure uninterrupted power supply for critical health services and laboratory operations.

Scope

The scope of work encompasses:

• Conducting a feasibility study for the solar PV and BESS installation at designated NHLS sites, including mounting structures and installation criteria.
• Designing, engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and supply of all necessary materials and labor.
• Delivery, offloading, construction, erection, and installation of the solar PV panels, mounting structures, inverters, batteries, and associated equipment.
• Commissioning, performance testing, and certification of the installed systems.
• Providing detailed design and as-built drawings, maintenance manuals, and asset governance documentation.
• Implementing integration with existing power systems, including grid connection and standby generators.
• Carrying out tests such as system efficiency, reliability, and safety inspections.
• Providing warranty, maintenance, and support for the installed systems, including training NHLS staff.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant standards, regulations, and safety protocols.

Technical Requirements

The technical specifications include:

• Design of a site-specific solar PV system with a capacity of 50kW, utilizing high-quality, SABS-approved panels with a 15-year warranty.
• Battery storage system with a capacity of approximately 61.44kWh Lithium batteries, with a 10-year warranty.
• Use of high-efficiency inverters, mounting structures, and electrical components compliant with SANS standards.
• Integration of smart energy management systems, including EMS and BMS, for optimal energy utilization.
• Provision for backup power during off-peak hours (up to 4 hours) and daylight hours (approximately 5 hours).
• Installation of appropriate safety and protection devices, including lightning protection, earthing, and fire safety equipment.
• Labelling and marking of all equipment in accordance with SANS standards.
• Warranty periods: PV modules (10 years), inverters (10 years), batteries (15 years), mounting structures (20 years), with maintenance support for 12 months post-installation.
• Compliance with South African grid codes, safety standards, and environmental regulations.

Skills Requirements

The tender specifies the following skills and qualifications for personnel involved:

• Project Manager: Must hold a B-Tech / BSc in Electrical Engineering (ECSA registered) with over 5 years’ experience in solar PV system design and installation, including CV, CV, Certificates of Qualification, and a valid PV GreenCard.
• Electrician: Must have relevant electrical trade qualifications, with at least 5 years’ experience, Trade Test Certificate, and PV GreenCard. The electrician should be available on the day of site handover.
• Design and Engineering Team: Must include qualified engineers with experience in renewable energy projects, capable of detailed design, feasibility studies, and system integration.
• Construction and Installation Personnel: Skilled in mounting, electrical wiring, testing, and commissioning, adhering to SANS standards and safety protocols.
• Training and Capacity Building: Staff involved in operations and maintenance must be trained in system management, maintenance procedures, and safety standards.

Additional skills include compliance with occupational health and safety regulations, project management, quality assurance, and environmental standards.