Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint an experienced and accredited service provider to supply, deliver, install, and commission solar panels at the ARC Onderstepoort campus. The solar system aims to serve as the main energy source for the Residue Lab and EPV Lab, reducing reliance on the City of Tshwane electricity and generator diesel power, and ensuring sustainable energy management for critical laboratory operations.

Scope

The scope includes:

• Supply, delivery, installation, and commissioning of a grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) system with battery backup for Residue Lab and EPV Lab.
• Design and implementation of a hybrid system capable of supporting emergency and standard loads, with load partitioning to prioritize critical circuits.
• Provision of all accessories, wiring, breakers, and safety equipment necessary for a fully functional solar power solution.
• Integration of the system with existing backup generators and grid supply, ensuring continuous operation of critical equipment during power outages.
• Site assessment, system certification, and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Optional future upgrades, including additional battery storage and system components.

Technical Requirements

The technical specifications include:

• Complete grid-tied solar system with battery backup, including PV modules (IEC 61215 & IEC 61730 compliant, 25-year warranty), inverters (Victron, Deye, SunSynk or similar, with internal phase management), batteries (LiFePO4, 10-year warranty, 500 cycles at 80% DOD), data loggers, distribution boards, and communication cables.
• System capacity of 44-66 kWhp PV hybrid system with 90-180 kWh Li-Ion battery storage, managed by a power management system linking two 100 kW hybrid inverters.
• Optimal placement and orientation of PV panels to maximize energy generation, avoiding shading and complying with building codes.
• Load partitioning to prioritize critical/emergency circuits, with seamless operation during grid or generator outages.
• Monitoring system accessible via mobile and web, capable of controlling components, exporting data, and sending notifications.
• Installation of appropriate fire extinguishers, safety signs, and ventilation for inverter and battery rooms.
• Compliance with all relevant government and municipal regulations, including electrical and safety standards.
• Provision of warranties: 25-year power warranty on PV modules, 10-year on batteries and inverters, 12-month workmanship warranty, and 10-year structural guarantee.
• Proper documentation, certification, and sign-off by qualified professionals, including electrical compliance certificates and as-built drawings.

Skills Requirements

The successful bidder must demonstrate:

• Proven experience in designing and installing solar PV systems, particularly hybrid grid-tied systems with battery backup, within the last 8 years.
• Qualified personnel, including licensed solar PV practitioners (CIDB Grade 3EP or higher), electrical engineers, and project managers with relevant certifications and experience.
• Capability to perform site assessments, system design, installation, testing, and commissioning in accordance with IEC standards and local regulations.
• Ability to provide ongoing operation and maintenance training to ARC personnel, ensuring competent system management post-installation.
• Experience in integrating renewable energy solutions with existing backup generators and grid systems, including load management and remote monitoring.
• Strong project planning skills, including detailed scheduling, risk management, and future expansion planning.
• Compliance with all legislative and safety standards, including adherence to POPIA and other relevant legal frameworks.