REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Solar Garden Generation
RFP Issue Date – September 10, 2015
Proposals and Pro Forma Documents due – October 19, 2015
1. SCOPE OF REQUEST .................................................................................................... 3
1.1. SUMMARY DETAILS.................................................................................................. 4
1.1.1. Product ........................................................................................................... 4
1.1.2. Generating Facility (GF) .............................................................................. 4
1.1.3. Quantity and Pricing .................................................................................... 4
1.1.4. Term (PPA).................................................................................................... 5
1.1.5. Land Control ................................................................................................. 5
1.1.6. Utility Grade Equipment .............................................................................. 5
1.1.7. Metering ......................................................................................................... 5
1.1.8. Monitoring ..................................................................................................... 5
1.1.9. Warranties and Guarantees; O&M Manuals and As Built Drawings ..... 6
1.1.10. O&M ............................................................................................................ 6
1.1.11. PV System Removal .................................................................................... 6
2. RFP COMMUNICATION ............................................................................................... 6
3. RFP SCHEDULE............................................................................................................ 7
4. GENERAL PROPOSAL GUIDELINES ............................................................................... 7
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
Instructions for Submitting a NOI ............................................................................ 7
Instructions for Submitting a Proposal.................................................................... 7
Confidentiality .......................................................................................................... 9
Minimum Credit Requirements ............................................................................... 9
Limitation of Liability ............................................................................................... 9
Regulatory Provisions ............................................................................................ 10
Environmental and Siting Requirements .............................................................. 10
Reservation of Rights ............................................................................................. 10
Pro Forma Agreements .......................................................................................... 11
Performance Assurances ....................................................................................... 11
Local Supply ............................................................................................................ 12
5. RFP Response Instructions ........................................................................................ 12
5.1. Project Information ................................................................................................ 12
5.2. Respondent and Project Team .............................................................................. 14
6. Detailed Resource Data Requirements ...................................................................... 14
6.1.
6.2.
6.3.
6.4.
Site Solar Reference Data ...................................................................................... 14
Solar Panel Information ......................................................................................... 14
Mounting ................................................................................................................ 15
Inverters ................................................................................................................. 15
7. Interconnection Requirements ................................................................................. 16
7.1
Resource Information Requirements .................................................................... 16
8. About Westar ........................................................................................................... 16
Appendix A:
Appendix B:
Appendix C:
Appendix D:
Confidentiality Agreement
Pro forma PV Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
Pro Forma Asset Purchase Agreement (APA)
Contractor Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Agreement
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1. SCOPE OF REQUEST
Westar Energy, Inc. (Westar) is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit offers from owners of
eligible solar photovoltaic (PV) Generating Facilities (GF) for expansion of Westar’s renewable
generation portfolio in accordance with this RFP. Projects are expected to attain Commercial
Operation (COD) no later than Dec. 31, 2016 and be fully eligible for the Federal ITC. By responding,
Respondents are bound by the terms and conditions of this RFP.
Westar’s goal is to procure the output from new PV Generating Facilities in the Westar service
territory. The output will subsequently be sold to Westar’s customers in a solar garden fashion on
either a kW-month or kWh basis. Westar anticipates proposals may include Westar ownership of new
facilities, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), PPAs with ownership at the end of tax recapture
requirements, PPAs with ownership or renewal options at the end of the PPA term, or other
arrangements as may be offered under this RFP. Westar is receptive to any and all options for
evaluation.
PPA - This option requires Respondents to furnish renewable energy and all environmental
attributes to Westar under a Renewable Energy Purchase Agreement from a designated renewable
resource. Westar expects that the form of agreement to achieve this option will be generally similar
to the Pro Forma PPA provided as Appendix B. A PPA proposal shall include:
1. A levelized energy price per delivered MWh during the full term of the PPA
2. Any additional fees or charges associated with the PPA
During the term of the PPA, the Respondent will own and operate the facilities and be responsible
for all costs including development, land acquisition, permitting, financing, and construction for the
facilities. Respondent will also be responsible for all taxes, operating expenses, and maintenance
expenses.
Access to the Pro Forma PPA will be provided following submittal of a Notice of Intent (NOI) and
completion of a Confidentiality Agreement.
OWNERSHIP – This option requires Respondents to furnish a fully functional and integrated solar
project at the times proposed and as agreed by the Parties under a Solar Project Asset Purchase
Agreement. Westar expects the form of agreement to achieve this option will be generally similar
to the Pro Forma APA provided as Appendix C. An Ownership proposal shall include:
1. Purchase price for the entire project at selected proposal dates.
2. Any additional expected charges for Westar ownership.
Ownership proposals shall include costs for all development, land acquisition, permitting,
equipment, and construction of a fully functional solar project. Respondent will be responsible for
all taxes, operating expenses, and maintenance expenses incurred prior to the transfer of the
project to Westar. Westar will be responsible for all taxes, operating expenses, and maintenance
expenses following the closing of the purchase transaction.
All Investment Tax Credits associated with Westar Energy ownership of the renewable generation
shall be assigned to Westar Energy and are to be included in the contract price for ownership and
partnership alternatives.
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Respondents are welcome and encouraged to propose arrangements and options such as alternative
financing, preferred maintenance agreements, or sharing of commercial risks that reduce the cost to
Westar and provide additional value to Westar and its customers. Proposals for alternative quantities
and CODs will be accepted for evaluation.
1.1. SUMMARY DETAILS
Summary details of this RFP are:
1.1.1. Product
PV generating resource, or resources, providing physically delivered electrical energy,
including all environmental or renewable attributes (i.e. renewable energy credits (RECs),
emissions credits, energy efficiency credits, etc.), ancillary services, and capacity and
located within Westar’s service territory and interconnected to Westar’s electrical grid.
The Respondent shall deliver the power to Westar’s electric system and be responsible for
all costs associated with interconnection and delivery. Any and all environmental attributes
(Renewable Energy Credits, Carbon Credits, etc.) associated, now or in the future, with the
renewable generation shall be assigned to Westar and included in the contract price.
Energy shall be Green-E national solar certified.
1.1.2. Generating Facility (GF)
The GF must meet all of the following criteria: (a) a PV electric energy generating facility
with equipment from manufacturers regarded as a Tier 1 Suppliers, (b) interconnected with
Westar’s electrical grid, (c) have a Gross Power Rating of no less than one (1) megawatt
(MW) AC, and (d) inverters with voltage and frequency ride-through functionalities, as well
as capability of actively regulating voltage levels by providing remotely adjustable active
and reactive power set points. Inverters shall be equipped with all hardware for data
collection and communication with Westar’s EMS using DNP3.0 communication.
Westar will provide preference to projects which demonstrate beneficial features
applicable to the Westar electric system. Benefits could include reduced system losses, the
potential to avoid future transmission and distribution investment, local reliability
improvement, etc. Projects are encouraged to describe unique features and include a
description of any other advantageous site characteristics (for example the potential for
Westar to locate future battery storage at the site). To the extent that these features or
the potential for Westar to own the Generating Facility at some future date require
additional cost, this should be clearly described in the Offer
1.1.3. Quantity and Pricing
Westar desires pricing for the following size installations and will select the project size
based on subscription by Westar’s customers. As part of the recent Stipulation and
Agreement to Westar’s 2015 General Rate Case, Westar is required to fully subscribe 100%
of the capacity of this project prior to beginning construction.
1 MW
2 MW
3 MW
5 MW
7 MW
10 MW
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1.1.4. Term (PPA)
The expected initial Term of a PPA will be twenty five (25) years from the date of COD. The
GF must be scheduled to commence Operation on the Commercial Operation Date,
pursuant to the terms of the Agreement. Preference will be given to proposals providing
Westar with the right, but not the obligation, to (a) extend the term for an additional five
(5) year period at a fixed price or price formula and/or (b) purchase the facility at 10, 15, or
20 years following COD of the facility, at the expiration of any ITC recapture term, at
expiration of the initial term, or at the expiration of any extended term. Respondents
should provide pricing for purchase options.
1.1.5. Land Control
The GF must be located on land controlled (owned or under long-term lease or easement)
by the Respondent. All land leases, easements, permits, and licenses are subject to Westar
approval and must be in adequate form and for an adequate term.
1.1.6. Utility Grade Equipment
The GF and grid interconnection must be designed and constructed with utility-grade
equipment and practices and in conformance with all federal, state and local codes,
standards and other applicable regulatory reliability agreements, procedures, protocols,
tariffs and standards, including but not limited to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC), North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), Southwest Power Pool
(SPP), and the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC).
1.1.7. Metering
Westar will provide an instrument transformer rated bidirectional revenue meter for use at
the interconnection point. The GF owner will be subject to normal tariffs for any power
usage from the grid.
1.1.8. Monitoring
Respondent will provide the engineering and equipment necessary to provide monitoring
of the GF and interconnection equipment to Westar’s Energy Management System (EMS).
The monitoring system shall provide energy generation data, historical data, solar
insolation attributes, and meteorological data including reference cell temperature,
reference cell irradiance at plane of array, ambient air temperature, wind speed, wind
direction, global horizontal irradiation, horizontal diffuse irradiation, and rain
measurement. The system shall be configured to sample data at a rate of once per second,
configurable to 1-to-10 minute average intervals, and compatible to communicate using 4
sec ICCP communication. The system shall be configured to sample and store the 1-to-10
minute averaged interval data for a period of 24 months. The regularly collected data
should reflect, but not be limited to, the following:
 System performance
 System availability
 Average and accumulated output
 Capacity factor
 Degradation
The data acquisition system shall be designed for turnkey, remote operation. Data shall be
transmitted via DNP3.0. Data format shall be coordinated with Westar.
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1.1.9. Warranties and Guarantees; O&M Manuals and As Built Drawings
Identify the warranties to be transferred to Westar under ownership proposals. The
successful bidder shall provide two (2) sets plus one (1) on CAD of all as-built drawings and
two (2) sets plus on electronic copy of all operation, maintenance, and parts manuals for
the solar PV system. The manuals shall cover all components, options, and accessories
supplied and shall include maintenance, trouble-shooting, and safety precautions specific
to the supplied equipment. The O&M Manual shall delineate responsibilities of both
parties, both during the term of any agreement and after any purchase that may be agreed
to.
1.1.10. O&M
Provide a financial impact or price for operating and maintaining the PV system on Westar’s
behalf for a twenty-five (25) year service term. Perform all required maintenance activities,
including warranty repair work and equipment replacement including, but not limited to,
inverter replacement in order to keep the system operational and performing to
production guarantees.
1.1.11. PV System Removal
The awarded Contractor/Vendor shall bear the sole responsibility of removing the PV
system at the end of the twenty-five (25) year service term should Westar, in its sole
discretion, opt not to purchase the PV system.
2. RFP COMMUNICATION
The RFP is available for download from Westar’s Web site. The Web site address is:
http://www.westarenergy.com/RFP
Potential Respondents are responsible for checking the Web site for subsequent updates, notices and
postings.
The primary method for exchange of information or documents concerning the RFP, including any
such exchange concerning the preparation or submission of Offers to Westar, will be via email to the
RFP Director:
Westar Energy, Inc.
818 Kansas Ave.
Attn: Don Ford, Director, Renewable Business Solutions
785-575-8415
Email address for all correspondence: don.ford@westarenergy.com
Copies of the pro forma PPA, pro forma APA, and other information will be provided to Respondents
providing the following information as a Notice of Intent (NOI) by September 25, 2015 and completing
a Confidentiality Agreement.
1. Name of Company
2. Company Address
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3. Company Representative:
a. Name
b. Phone number
c. Fax number
d. E-mail address
4. Anticipated Proposal Details:
a. Equipment Manufacturer and Equipment Model
b. Nameplate Capacity (MW)
c. Net Capacity Factor at Point of Delivery
d. Annual Expected Generation in MWh
e. Proposed In-Service Date
f. Contract Term or Delivery Period
3. RFP SCHEDULE
RFP Issue Date
September 10, 2015
Notice of Intent to Bid (NOI) Due
September 25, 2015, 5 PM CDT
Proposals and Redline of
Pro Forma Documents Due
October 19, 2015, 5 PM CDT
(Proposals must be received by)
Identify Successful Bidder(s)
November, 2015
Complete Negotiations
December, 2015
Westar Customer Subscription Period
January through March, 2016
Construction Period
April through December, 2016
Commercial Operation Date
No later than December 31, 2016
The schedule and deadlines shown above apply to this RFP. Westar reserves the right to revise the
RFP and the RFP schedule at any time for any reason.
4. GENERAL PROPOSAL GUIDELINES
4.1 Instructions for Submitting a NOI
All Respondents must submit a Notice of Intent to Bid via email by 5 PM CDT, September 25, 2015.
The RFP Director will respond to each Respondent with an email confirming receipt. It is the
responsibility of the Respondent to ensure receipt of the NOI by the Westar contact. Voice telephone
notices will not be acknowledged. Proposals received from Respondents who have not made a timely
submission of a complete NOI may not be considered.
4.2 Instructions for Submitting a Proposal
When submitting the proposal, Respondents should supply any additional information not requested
in this RFP if such information may be needed for a thorough understanding or evaluation of the
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proposal. All responses will be considered commitments to be used in defining any agreement
between Westar and the Respondent that may arise from this RFP. A Respondent may submit one or
more proposals, which may be alternatives to each other. Bidders should clearly indicate to what
extent, if any, proposals are interrelated or mutually exclusive of each other.
A .pdf of the proposal, signed by a duly authorized officer of the Respondent, shall be emailed to the
RFP Director along with electronic copies of all attachments, an executed .pdf of the Contractor Code
of Business Conduct and Ethics Agreement, and Word compatible redlines to appropriate pro forma
documents.
If Respondents wish to provide Proposals for multiple project locations, Respondents should provide a
separate Proposal for each location.
Contractor Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Agreement - Respondents shall submit with
proposals an executed .pdf copy of the Contractor Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Agreement,
the form of which is included as Appendix D. Proposals received, which do not contain an executed
copy of this Agreement, may be rejected.
All proposals and redlines to the pro forma documents (in Word compatible track change format) must
be received by Westar no later than October 2, 2015, 5 PM CDT. Late proposals may not be accepted.
Incomplete proposals may be summarily eliminated at the sole discretion of Westar. Proposals will
remain binding on Respondents through the completion of negotiations and contract execution.
All inquiries and other communications in any manner relating to this RFP must be submitted to the
RFP Director. Westar will forward questions and Westar’s answers to such questions to all with
accepted NOIs if Westar deems the question to be of general interest. Questions deemed not of
general interest will be answered directly. Westar expects to provide answers to questions within five
(5) business days after receipt of the question, to the extent practicable. Unsolicited contact about
the RFP process with other Westar personnel, attorneys, or consultants retained by Westar may result
in disqualification from the RFP.
Complete information is needed to facilitate a timely evaluation. Westar may request clarifying or
additional information at any time during the evaluation process. Respondent will be expected to
provide timely responses to facilitate the evaluation and decision-making process within the time
constraints. Respondents must provide all data requested in the RFP and the applicable attachments.
Westar may eliminate non-specific offers from further consideration.
Proposals must reflect any and all of the costs that Westar would be expected to pay for the power
delivered to Westar’s System. If any portion of the total delivered cost of power is not intended to be
clearly defined in the pricing outlined in the proposal, a detailed description of the proposed approach
regarding that portion of cost must be clearly delineated in the proposal. Prices and dollar figures
quoted must be clearly stated in U.S. dollars as nominal for the year in which they occur. For nonnominal prices, the appropriate year for the stated dollars must be identified along with the applicable
escalation rates to be used for subsequent years.
Proposals shall include a schedule with all major milestones.
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None of the materials timely received as part of a proposal will be returned. All materials and
proposals submitted will become the property of Westar and will be used by Westar for proposal
evaluation.
4.3 Confidentiality
Westar will take reasonable precautions and use reasonable efforts to protect any proprietary and
confidential information contained in a proposal provided that such information is clearly identified by
Respondent as "Proprietary and Confidential" on the header section of the page on which proprietary
and confidential information appears. Such information may be made available under applicable state
or federal law to regulatory commission(s), their staff(s), or other governmental agencies having an
interest in these matters. Westar also reserves the right to release such information to its agents or
contractors for the purpose of evaluating Respondent's proposal but such agents or contractors will be
required to observe the same care with respect to disclosure as Westar. Under no circumstances will
Westar or their agents or contractors, be liable for any damages resulting from any disclosure during
or after the solicitation process.
Respondents are advised that proposals are likely to be the subject matter of discovery in regulatory
proceedings. Discovery in these cases is routinely restricted by confidentiality agreements and
standard protective orders issued by the regulatory agency.
Respondents are required to enter into a confidentiality agreement (CA) with Westar in the form set
forth in Appendix A. It is expected that Westar and Respondents shall act in good faith in their
dealings with each other with respect to this RFP and matters of confidentiality. The CA shall be
executed prior to Westar releasing any confidential information to a Respondent.
4.4 Minimum Credit Requirements
Respondent or Guarantor of Respondent must be able to financially secure the project and contract. It
is the responsibility of the Respondent and Guarantor of Respondent to demonstrate financial security
to the satisfaction of Westar. Westar suggests that Respondent or Guarantor of Respondent possess a
senior unsecured debt rating, issued or reaffirmed within the past 12 months, equivalent to no less
than the ratings detailed in Article 11 of the Pro Forma PV PPA at the time of proposal. The
Respondent must be able to provide audited year-end financial statements for all specific entities
proposing to contract with Westar and any guarantor(s) within 120 days following the end of each
fiscal year. The Respondent must be able to provide satisfactory performance assurances in the event
Westar believes that the Respondent may not be able to perform or its creditworthiness has
deteriorated. The Respondent must be willing to grant a present and continuing security interest in
any performance assurances or cash equivalent collateral.
4.5 Limitation of Liability
Neither Westar nor its employees, directors, shareholders, representatives, agents, contractors, or
affiliate companies shall be liable for any expenses Respondents incur in connection with preparation
of a response to this RFP or for any costs, fees, or lost or foregone profits of unsuccessful proposals.
Westar will not reimburse Respondents for their expenses under any circumstances, regardless of
whether the RFP process proceeds to a successful conclusion or is abandoned by Westar at its sole
discretion.
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4.6 Regulatory Provisions
Any negotiated contract between Westar and the Respondent will be conditioned upon approval or
acceptance without substantial change by any and all regulatory authorities that have, or claim to
have, jurisdiction over any or all of the subject matter of this solicitation, including, without limitation,
the KCC and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
A Respondent whose proposal is selected must take all necessary actions to satisfy any and all
regulatory requirements including, but not limited to, all licenses and permits that may be imposed on
the Respondent by any federal, state, or local law or ordinance, rule, or regulation concerning the
resource siting, facility construction, and facility operation including the generation, sale, and delivery
of the power. Westar will cooperate with Respondent to provide information or such other assistance
as may be reasonably necessary for Respondent to satisfy such regulatory requirements. Respondent
must likewise fully support all of Westar’s regulatory requirements associated with this potential
arrangement.
Under a power purchase agreement, the Respondent will be completely and solely responsible for
obtaining and paying for any and all regulatory allowances, fees, or taxes that may be required for the
resource siting, facility construction, and facility operation including the generation, sale, and delivery
of the power for the entire term of the proposed contract and Respondent must include any such
costs in its proposal.
4.7 Environmental and Siting Requirements
The Respondent is exclusively and entirely responsible for meeting and satisfying all federal, state, and
local permits, licenses, approvals, and/or variances that are required for the construction and
operation of the solar PV installation and the delivery of the capacity and associated energy including
electric grid interconnection in accordance with any PPA, partnership, or other sale. Projects that
provide advantageous careful consideration of siting the facility and associated infrastructure,
completed multi-year meteorological data and supporting studies, demonstrated community support,
completed environmental analysis, completed archaeological analysis, and completed permitting will
be viewed favorably in the selection process. Westar will only consider suppliers who demonstrate
that their facilities are sited in an environmentally responsible manner and in compliance with all
applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Proposals with approved permits and
indications of local support are likely to be evaluated more favorably than those without.
4.8 Reservation of Rights
Westar will review and evaluate the Proposals and may negotiate with multiple Respondents which
may lead to the development of one or more agreements. Westar reserves the right, without
qualification and in its sole discretion, to accept or reject any or all proposals for any reason without
explanation to the Respondent, or to make an award to that Respondent, who, in the opinion of
Westar, will provide the most value to Westar and its customers. Westar will consider both price and
non-price attributes in the evaluation of proposals (please see Section 6.0 – RFP Response
Instructions). Westar reserves the right to make an award to an offer other than the lowest price offer
or to the proposal evidencing the greatest technical ability if Westar determines that to do so would
result in the greatest value to Westar and its customers. Westar may make an award of contract
without further discussion at any time in the RFP process.
Westar reserves the right to reject any, all, or portions of the proposals received for failure to meet
any criteria set forth in this RFP. Westar makes no guarantee that a contract award will result from
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this RFP. Westar may decline to enter into an arrangement with any or all Respondents or may revise
or terminate the RFP process at any time. Westar reserves the right to revise the capacity needs
forecast at any point during the RFP process or during negotiations and any such change may reduce,
eliminate, or increase the amount of capacity or power sought.
Westar reserves the unilateral right to waive any technical or format requirements contained in the
RFP. Westar will review and may utilize all information, if any, submitted by a Respondent that is not
specifically requested as a part of this Request for Proposals.
Those who submit proposals do so without recourse against Westar for either rejection of their
proposal or proposals or for failure to execute an agreement for any reason. All offers shall be valid
and binding upon the Respondent through contract negotiations and contract execution.
4.9 Pro Forma Agreements
The Pro Forma PV PPA, included as Appendix B, sets forth the terms and conditions of a potential PPA
between Westar and Respondent with respect to this RFP. The Pro Forma APA, included as Appendix
C, sets forth the terms and conditions of a potential purchase / sale transaction between Westar and
Respondent with respect to this RFP. The pro forma documents will be provided to each respondent
following submittal of a NOI and CA and are structured under the assumption that: (1) Respondent’s
Proposal is based upon the green field development of a new generating facility and (2) Westar will, in
appropriate cases, determined in its sole discretion, consider modifications to the pro forma
agreements in order to effectively address the unique features of Respondent’s Proposal.
Respondents shall submit a detailed mark-up, in Microsoft Word compatible track change redline
format, the pro forma agreements with its Proposal which shall include any and all requested
modifications to the pro forma agreements.
Westar reserves the right to reject any and all such proposed modifications and the extent of
Respondent’s proposed modifications will be factored into the evaluation of Respondent’s Proposal
against other proposals.
Except as specifically set forth in the Respondent’s Proposal, the matters set forth in the pro forma
agreements are not intended to and do not constitute a binding agreement between, or establish any
obligation of, Westar or Respondent. Any binding agreement will arise only upon the execution of the
definitive agreements by authorized representatives of Westar and Respondent and the satisfaction of
any conditions set forth therein.
4.10 Performance Assurances
Westar will rely on this RFP to meet the near-term incremental electric needs of its customers with
dependable and reliable electric service. As a result, it is desired that the resource be in commercial
operation with a demonstrated operating availability of at least 90% during the week preceding the
negotiated COD. Liquidated damages will be included in the negotiated agreement for failure to meet
COD.
While Westar recognizes that some renewable generation is by its nature intermittent and nondispatchable, Westar believes that well-designed and well-maintained renewable generation
equipment will provide reliable energy production on a long-term average basis. As a result, Westar
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will favorably view proposals containing legally enforceable availability commitments which include
liquidated damage provisions for a failure to meet such commitments.
4.11 Local Supply
Preference will be given to Proposals that include the use of Kansas suppliers, manufacturers, and
contractors. Please indicate where those suppliers/contractors have been given the opportunity to
bid in assembling the Proposal, and, where they have been successful. If a Kansas supplier is included
in a Proposal, please provide the company name. Discuss any other plans you have for developing
local supply capability.
5. RFP Response Instructions
5.1. Project Information
In general, offers must contain adequate detail to allow Westar to evaluate the merits and credibility
of the proposed resources. Westar anticipates comparing proposals from many different Respondents
in order to select the successful Respondent(s). All offers submitted in response to this RFP must
contain, at a minimum, the following:
1.
Name of Company, Company address, and Company representative (name, phone number
and e-mail address).
2.
Project name.
3.
Type of offer
a. Description of offer to sell an ownership interest
b. Description of other offer(s).
4.
Project location (including latitude and longitude coordinates of the project boundary
corners), an aerial photo showing site boundaries, the merits of selected site, and any
associated regulatory or permitting issues. Submitted proposals must demonstrate site
control by showing evidence of site ownership, an option to purchase the site, easements, or
an option for long-term lease.
5.
Description of the project including the number and ratings of solar panels and inverters,
panel and inverter manufacturers, panel and inverter model numbers, mounting structure,
and site layout showing the location of the solar panels and other associated facilities. Include
information concerning the manufacturers’ warranties and descriptions of how the equipment
will be operated and maintained. Discuss efficiency and performance monitoring systems to
be included in the project design and operation. Include any other relevant equipment
information. Indicate the current status of generation equipment control showing evidence of
purchase obligations, option to purchase, or a plan to purchase.
6.
Overall project and construction schedule (Include major milestones such as completion of
permitting, financing, regulatory requirements, major construction, testing, on line date,
easement acquisition, etc.). Please highlight any potential issues identified to date that may
affect the proposed schedule. Westar is likely to look most favorably on contracts that begin
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power delivery at the earliest possible date, with commercial operation to begin no later than
December 31, 2016.
7.
Project nameplate capacity (MW AC and DC) and Net AC Contract Capacity.
8.
Annual expected output.
9.
Operational characteristics including maintenance.
10. Provide an analysis and delivery profile of AC energy output from the GF using site specific
solar resource and equipment performance specifications. The profile shall include net
anticipated hourly output each hour for at least one year and projected delivered net energy
output on a monthly and annual basis through the life of the project. Documentation should
be provided to support assumptions of delivery characteristics and methodology used to
create the projected profile and should include system losses, tilt and azimuth, expected
system degradation and impact, etc.
11. Any hourly or short-term forecasting or other scheduling provisions that will assist the
integration of the renewable energy into the Westar system.
12. Interconnection location and plan. Respondents should refer to Southwest Power Pool (SPP)
generator interconnection procedures found at
http://sppoasis.spp.org/documents/swpp/transmission/studies/Attachment%20V%20GIP_GIA
%20Effective%202-1_2015.pdf and Westar interconnection requirements found at
http://www.oatioasis.com/WR/WRdocs/Facility_Connection_Standard.pdf. The Respondent
should include all costs for any required distribution / transmission interconnection related
studies, facilities, and other interconnection related costs. Proposals will be evaluated on the
ability to economically and reliably deliver power to the Westar system. Explain the current
status of any interconnection request and studies that have been completed or are in process.
13. Reliability of proposed technology.
14. Pricing reflecting full cost of the project or, in the case of a Lease or PPA, the full cost of the
energy. Westar expects PPA pricing to be calculated per delivered MWh for energy, levelized
over the entire PPA term.
15. Detailed description of any security or credit instruments proposed by the Respondent to back
its performance obligation.
16. Financing plan including any contingencies and the current status of all required financing and
on-going debt/equity ratio to be carried by the project during construction and operation.
Identify sources of funding, debt financing, etc. Provide a list of projects with similar
structures that were previously completed by the Respondent. Provide a construction budget
and pro forma cash flow for the project. The Respondent should provide annual financial
statements for the three most recent fiscal years. Provide current ratings from any national
rating agency organization (if applicable). If investment grade ratings are not available,
describe the credit support proposed to be provided for the project.
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17. Describe the status of the project with respect to regulatory approvals needed for its
construction and operation. Describe plans for assessing and resolving local community siting
issues and requirements with respect to the resource.
18. If the proposed project or transmission service have been independently reviewed by thirdparty consultants, the Respondent is encouraged to include a copy of the independent review
with the proposal.
19. A list summarizing parts, sections and elements of the Proposal that is confidential or
proprietary.
20. Minimum Annual Renewable Energy Production Guaranty (PPA).
21. Description of proposed O&M Contract (Westar Ownership only).
22. Proposed communication and interface requirements for both inverters and substation SCADA
systems.
5.2. Respondent and Project Team
Identify all parties (i.e. developer, engineer, installer, electrician, etc.) that will be part of the project
team participating in engineering, permitting and construction of the project or in the subsequent
ownership, operation and maintenance of the project. At a minimum, the following information about
the Proposer and the project team should be provided:
1. Corporate structure, including primary and secondary businesses of Respondent and
associated affiliates
2. Description of the project team and its capabilities and experience with developing and
operating solar PV generation projects
3. Projects that the Respondent and each other project team member have participated in
over the last five years and the current status of those ventures - provide at least one
contact (name and phone number) for each existing power supply venture (for reference
purposes)
4. Evidence of Proposer’s creditworthiness and financial ability to perform as proposed
5. Description of any past (within 10 years), current, or pending litigation involving the
Proposer or an affiliate concerning power supply agreements, projects, or power supply
arrangements
6. Detailed Resource Data Requirements
Please supply the following resource data with your proposal. Include manufacturer’s data sheets for
all equipment.
6.1. Site Solar Reference Data
1.
Raw ten-minute solar incident rate for, at a minimum, the preceding year.
6.2. Solar Panel Information
1.
Manufacturer
2.
Model number
3.
Power MAX rating (watts DC @ STC)
4.
Number of modules, per site
14
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
6.3.
Number of modules per string
Expected low temperature used for string sizing (°C)
Module output tolerance (+ %, -%)
Efficiency (@ STC) (%)
Maximum system design voltage (VDC)
Module warranty - performance guarantee rating (@ year 1)
Module warranty - performance guarantee rating (@ year 10)
Module warranty - performance guarantee rating (@ year 25)
List any quality & environmental certifications that the proposed module manufacturer has
received (e.g. ISO 9001, ISO 140001, or other certifying bodies)
List and attach any outdoor reliability testing, or accelerated long-term testing (beyond IEC
standards for modules) that the proposed module has completed (e.g., TŰV Long-Term
Sequential Testing, Thresher Test, or other reliability program)
List and attach module manufacturer bankability reports
Attach manufacturer’s data sheets
Mounting
1.
Manufacturer
2.
Model number
3.
Fixed tilt, single-axis tracking, or dual-axis tracking?
4.
Proposed module orientation (landscape, portrait)
5.
Proposed module layout (# modules wide X # modules high)
6.
Tilt angle (if fixed)
7.
Azimuth
8.
Row Spacing
9.
Row width
10. Row length
11. Max/min rotation (if tracking)
12. Ground coverage ratio
13. Maximum allowable wind design speed for racking structure
14. If tracking:
a.
Stow wind speed
b.
Is wind stow required to meet design wind speed?
c.
Type and # of control systems used and sources of information source for tracking (e.g.
GPS, Sun Sensor, tilt sensor, inclinometer, equation of time, etc.)
d.
Power consumption requirements for motor controller (estimated daily kWh)
6.4. Inverters
1.
Manufacturer
2.
Model number
3.
Rating (maximum continuous AC output)
4.
Number of Inverters
5.
Certification listing (e.g. UL 1741, ETL or other)
6.
NEMA rating and enclosure details
7.
Proposed DC:AC design ratio for site
8.
Maximum DC input voltage
9.
Total harmonic distortion
10. Power factor at full power rating
15
11.
12.
13.
Efficiency at full power rating
Describe List any quality & environmental certifications that the proposed inverter's
manufacturing facility has received (e.g. ISO 9001, ISO 140001, or other certifying bodies)
List and attach inverter manufacturer bankability reports
7. Interconnection Requirements
7.1 Resource Information Requirements
Respondent must describe the specific delivery point on the Westar system where each proposed
generation resource is to deliver its output.
Respondent will be responsible for paying for all charges and costs to interconnect the generating
resources to the Westar system. Interconnection costs include, but are not limited to, generator stepup transformers, protective equipment, and any necessary system upgrades or modifications due to
the GF.
Provide details of, and describe the interconnection and substation configuration, equipment
(breakers, etc.) voltage levels and costs.
Provide a one-line diagram of the proposed interconnection and substation configuration.
New generation proposals will be evaluated for the ability to meet all applicable NERC Reliability
Standards and SPP Criteria including periodic generator testing. All associated costs are the
responsibility of the Respondent.
Any new on-system generation must have automatic voltage control with at least ±95 percent power
factor capability.
8. About Westar
Westar Energy, Inc. (NYSE: WR) is Kansas’ largest electric utility. For more than a century, we have
provided Kansans the safe, reliable electricity needed to power their businesses and homes. Every day
our team of professionals takes on projects to generate and deliver electricity, protect the
environment, and provide excellent service to our nearly 700,000 customers. Westar has 7,200 MW
of electric generation capacity fueled by coal, uranium, natural gas, wind, solar, and landfill gas. We
are also a leader in electric transmission in Kansas. Our innovative customer service programs include
mobile-enabled customer care, digital meters, and paving the way for electric vehicle adoption. Our
employees live, volunteer and work in the communities we serve.
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