Request for Proposals: Additional Solar Electricity Generation

The City of Belfast, Maine is seeking a qualified firm to develop and implement a solution to close the gap between its electrical consumption and generation. Currently, the City's three solar arrays generate 1,150,905 kWh annually, which offsets only 69.3% of its total electrical consumption of 1,660,439 kWh, leaving a deficit of 509,534 kWh. This gap is projected to widen due to factors such as increased use of heat pump heating systems and potential decreases in existing solar array output. The selected firm will be responsible for proposing a project that includes energy generation capability, utilization of generated energy and excess credits, equipment to be used, location(s), project timeline, financial incentives, ownership structure, total project cost, cost per kWh, and payback period. Proposals will be evaluated based on the project proposal (75%), the firm's experience since January 1, 2021 (20%), and personnel and capacity (5%). Questions regarding this request must be emailed by May 13, 2026, and answers will be posted on the City of Belfast's website by May 14, 2026. Proposals must be submitted as a single PDF file, not exceeding 25 pages and 15 MB, via email to economicdevelopment@cityofbelfast.org by 4:00 PM local time on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.