19 Dec 2023

An invitation for tenders to install Solar PV panels and a diverter at our Ballycastle Centre 

The Corrymeela Community is inviting tenders for the installation of solar PV panels and a diverter at our Ballycastle Centre.  

Appendix one provides background information about our Ballycastle Centre and our current energy mix.

Our requirements

We require a suitably qualified company to

1.      Survey and review our site and confirm the location of the installation. 

2.      Successfully apply on our behalf to N.I.E. for a licence to install PV panels and export to the grid bearing in mind our other renewable energy sources.

3.      Install 12kW of solar PV panels on the Rathlin bedroom wing of the Main House, once the licence has been granted.  (Appendix one provides a link to a map of our Centre – The Main House is the building at the North East corner of the site with Rathlin block at the North East of the building).

4.      Install a diverter which could channel electricity from the PV panels to heat hot water in our storage tanks in our Main House.

We are happy to have an online briefing and we would welcome a site visit if required prior to submitting a proposal.

Evaluation Criteria

We would invite consultants or agencies to provide tenders for this project of not more than 2,000 words. Bids will be evaluated using the following criteria and associated weightings:

·        Skills, experience and track record in installing solar panels and applying for associated licences. Please include details of at least 2 referees (40%)

·        Value for money (40%) – give a detailed breakdown of the costs for the project

·        Methodology and approach (20%) including a description of the site work, any likely disruption to our operations and the timescale for the implementation of the project. 

Closing Date

Please submit completed tenders by email to richardnaylor@corrymeela.org before 9.00am on Monday 22nd January 2024 with the subject heading of “Corrymeela Solar PV Project”.  Bidders will be advised of the outcome within 2 weeks of the closing date.

Contact Details

If you require additional information or clarification please contact Richard Naylor, by email richardnaylor@corrymeela.org.

Appendix 1 – background information about our Ballycastle Centre

Our Ballycastle Centre

Every year we welcome around 5,000 people from different communities to our beautiful Ballycastle centre to explore difference together.

The Ballycastle Centre site is on the coast about 1½ miles to the East of Ballycastle town. It consists of:

·        3 x Residential units with approximately 120 beds built between 1998 and 2010.

·        2 x semi–detached bungalows (4 bed and 3 bed)

·        1 x Recreational unit – timber frame with plastic cladding

·        1 x Worship space (The Croi)

You can find more details of our work on our website: www.corrymeela.org

Satellite view: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@55.2070453,-6.2095635,276m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en-GB&authuser=0

Our energy usage at our Ballycastle Centre