Intent_to_Sole_Source.pdf

Orange County, Florida's Utilities Engineering Division is seeking a procurement for a floating solar photovoltaic system to be installed at the Utilities Administration Building (UAB) pond. The document details specific requirements for a floating solar panel system, with research indicating that Ciel & Terre's Hydrelio Technology system distributed by D3Energy is currently the only system meeting all specified criteria. The project involves designing, permitting, installing, and testing a comprehensive solar system including PV modules, inverters, combiners, disconnects, signage, system monitoring, and structures. The vendor must provide a system specifically designed for over-water installation, capable of withstanding challenging environmental conditions including water velocities up to 2.3 mph, waves up to 3.3 ft, temperatures up to 122°F, and wind velocities of 130 mph with capabilities above 150 mph.

Minimum qualifications for vendors include demonstrating at least two successful floating solar PV installations within Florida, each at least 500 kilowatts-AC and completed within the last 5 years. The project requires a minimum 25-year expected lifespan, 10-year warranty on all system components, and compliance with multiple technical standards including IEC, IEEE, UL, and ANSI certifications. Warranty terms include a 25-year linear 80-percent power warranty for panels and 5-year warranty for inverters. Vendors meeting the county's requirements are invited to contact Tracy Attenasio via email by 5:00 PM on the specified date to provide product and service specifications. The floating solar panels must be manufactured in HDPE and undergo rigorous third-party testing for wind tunnel resistance, wave resistance, and current resistance.