Request for Information (RFI) - Micro Grid to Utility Scale PV - Eskom Solar PV E2337DXEC

Sep 12, 2026

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Eskom’s Cape Coastal Cluster requests insights from experienced solar PV companies to support its Just Energy Transition strategy and the Integrated Resource Plan 2025. This RFI targets solutions from microgrid applications to utility-scale PV plants up to 100MW across the Eastern and Western Cape. Respondents are asked to provide technical approaches for resource assessment, impact assessment, design, supply chains, costing, construction and commissioning, legal requirements, and Eskom staff training frameworks.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Objectives

Scope of Services

Research & Technical Investigations in Eastern and Western Cape

Design of Solar PV Plants (Microgrid to 100MW)

Suppliers of PV Panels

Project Costing

Construction & Commissioning

Registration and Legal Requirements

Training Programmes

Submission Requirements

| PART A
REQUEST FOR AN REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) | | | --- | --- | | Description of the works/goods/services | 1. INTRODUCTION
Eskom's Cape Coastal Cluster is exploring the development of photovoltaic (PV) facilities within its geographical footprint, encompassing the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces. This initiative supports Eskom's Just Energy Transition (JET) strategy, the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025, and aims to enhance security of supply, reduce the carbon footprint, and support economic development within the region.
This Request for Information (RFI) seeks insights from experienced and qualified companies in the solar PV sector. We are interested in a comprehensive range of solutions, from microgrid applications to utility-scale solar PV plants of up to 100MW. The information gathered will inform our strategy, procurement processes, and potential future Request for Proposal (RFP) documents.
2. OBJECTIVES
The primary objectives of this RFI are to:
• Identify and pre-qualify companies with proven experience in developing solar PV plant projects in South Africa, specifically within the Eastern and Western Cape.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the technical, legal, financial, and logistical requirements for developing solar PV plants at various scales.
• Develop a robust benchmark for costing, scheduling, and risk management.
• Design a framework for a skills development and training programme for Eskom staff.
3. SCOPE OF SERVICES
Respondents are requested to provide detailed information on their capabilities and experience related to the following aspects:
3.1. Research & Technical Investigations in Eastern and Western Cape
• Describe your methodology for conducting a site-specific solar resource assessment (GHI, DNI, DIF) and energy yield prediction.
• Outline your process for conducting Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, public participation, and securing an Environmental Authorisation.
3.2. Design of Solar PV Plants (Microgrid to 100MW) | | | • Provide a conceptual design for a typical 100MW solar PV including technology selection (e.g. monofacial/bifacial modules, string vs. central inverters), array layout, spacing, and electrical infrastructure.
• Provide a conceptual design for a solar PV microgrid, including integration with other generation sources (e.g. wind) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) .
• Explain your design philosophy for optimizing energy yield, managing shading, and mitigating losses. while minimising environmental and social impact.
3.3. Suppliers of PV Panels
• List the solar panel, inverter, mounting structure, and BESS manufacturers you typically partner with for projects ranging from smallscale microgrids to large-scale utility projects.
• Provide technical specifications and justification for recommended technologies suitable for the climatic conditions of the Eastern and Western Cape.
3.4. Project Costing
• Provide a high-level Capex (e.g. panels, inverters, BOS, BESS, civil works) and Opex cost breakdown for an estimated 100MW solar PV plant and a separate 1MW solar PV microgrid project in the Eastern and Western Cape.
• Detail the key cost drivers and potential risks that could impact the budget.
3.5. Construction & Commissioning
• Outline a typical project timeline from financial close to commercial operation for a 100MW solar PV plant and a separate 1MW solar PV Microgrid.
• Describe your construction methodology, key milestones, and risk management plan during the construction phase.
• Detail your commissioning and testing procedures to ensure compliance with grid codes and technical requirements.
3.6. Registration and Legal Requirements
• Provide a comprehensive list of all permits, licenses, and approvals required from entities such as NERSA, the DEE, and local municipalities.
• Detail your experience in securing NERSA Generation Licenses and wheeling

FAQs

What is the purpose of this RFI?

The RFI gathers information from qualified solar PV companies to inform Eskom’s strategy, procurement processes, and potential future RFP documents for projects ranging from microgrids to utility-scale PV up to 100MW.

Which regions and project sizes does the RFI cover?

The scope focuses on the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces and includes both a 1MW microgrid concept and utility-scale solar PV plants up to 100MW.

What technical topics must respondents address?

Respondents must describe methodologies for solar resource assessment and energy yield prediction, environmental and social impact assessments and authorisation, conceptual design, shading and loss mitigation philosophy, and grid-compliant commissioning and testing procedures.

What submission materials are required beyond technical responses?

Submissions must include company profile and relevant experience with references, CVs and certifications for key personnel, a comprehensive response to each part of Section 3, plus commercial documents such as an enquiry cover page, authorisation form, integrity declaration, non-disclosure agreement, SARS pin, letter of good standing, and company registration documents.

Sep 12, 2026

Upload by Hazel