V4SDDC065.2 Solar Energy Generation Project

South Derbyshire District Council is seeking to engage with the market ahead of a forthcoming procurement opportunity for the design, supply, installation and commissioning of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy generation systems at two Council-owned sites within the district. The project forms part of the Council's commitment to reducing carbon emissions, improving energy resilience and supporting its wider climate change objectives. The proposed works are expected to include the installation of rooftop solar PV systems at Stenson Fields Community Centre, Chartley Road, Stenson Fields, Derby, DE24 3BT, and Rosliston Forestry Centre, together with associated electrical infrastructure, monitoring systems and battery storage provision at Rosliston Forestry Centre. Through this engagement exercise, the Council wishes to better understand current market capability, innovative technical solutions, delivery approaches, programme considerations and emerging industry best practice. Feedback received will help inform the final procurement strategy, specification and contract requirements. The Council is particularly interested in hearing from suppliers with experience of delivering commercial-scale solar PV installations for public sector organisations, including projects involving energy storage, monitoring systems, grid connection requirements and net zero initiatives. Participation in this market engagement exercise will not form part of any future evaluation process and will not provide any advantage or disadvantage to organisations that choose to participate. Any subsequent procurement opportunity will be advertised separately in accordance with the Council's procurement obligations. In accordance with South Derbyshire District Council's Procurement Strategy and commitment to supporting local businesses, SMEs and the local economy, the Council's current intention is that any subsequent procurement opportunity arising from this project will be reserved to Derbyshire-based suppliers under the provisions of the Local Government (Exclusion of Non-commercial Considerations) (England) Order 2026. This preliminary market engagement exercise is being undertaken to assess market capacity, capability and supplier interest within Derbyshire before the final procurement approach is confirmed.