Renewable energy: installing solar, heat pumps and wind power in public procurement
Public renewable energy procurement is booming, driven by the energy transition and tertiary decree objectives. Authorities tender for photovoltaic panels, heat pumps (ASHP/GSHP), solar thermal systems, small wind turbines and storage systems. The buyer evaluates installer qualifications (RGE), technical sizing, guaranteed performance and total cost of ownership.
RGE qualifications and mandatory certifications
RGE qualification is virtually mandatory: QualiPV (photovoltaic), QualiPAC (heat pumps), QualiSol (solar thermal). Present valid RGE certificate, qualification number, maximum covered power, specific RE decennial and professional liability insurance, and electrical authorisations (BR, B2V, BC). ISO 9001 certification of the installation process is a complementary asset.
Technical sizing and performance
For PV: detailed yield study with site irradiation data (PVGIS), optimal orientation/tilt, solar masks analysis, module technology and STC efficiency, inverter sizing, PVsyst simulation with guaranteed annual production (kWh/kWc/year), guaranteed PR and annual degradation rate. For heat pumps: building thermal assessment, power sizing at base temperature, guaranteed COP/SCOP, refrigerant choice (F-Gas compliance), and ETAS calculation. For wind: anemometric study, wind rose, power curve, AEP estimate, acoustic analysis.
Installation, commissioning and grid connection
Detail PPSPS safety plan, execution phases, working at height safety, UTE C 15-712 compliance (PV) or NF EN 378 (refrigeration). Grid connection: Enedis application (PTF), realistic timeline including 3-6 month connection delays, CONSUEL inspection, purchase obligation contract (EDF OA) or self-consumption agreement.
Warranties, maintenance and long-term performance
Module product warranty (10-12 years minimum), linear performance guarantee (80% at 25 years), inverter warranty (5-10 years), heat pump warranty (parts + compressor 5-7 years). Comprehensive maintenance plan: preventive visits, thermographic inspection, real-time monitoring with automatic alerts, annual energy report comparing actual vs guaranteed production, and LCOE calculation over contract duration.
Common mistakes in renewable energy proposals
No RGE qualification — Virtually eliminatory.
Approximate sizing — No PVsyst simulation or thermal assessment.
Enedis delays ignored — Unrealistic timeline without connection lead time.
No maintenance contract — Image of an installer without follow-up.
Minimal warranties — Only legal 2-year warranty insufficient for public markets.
Frequently asked questions
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