Energy Trust of Oregon, Inc. is issuing this RFQ to identify and pre-qualify Solar Trade Allies interested in participating in the Portland Solar Access Program (PSAP), a new initiative funded by $25 million from the Portland Clean Energy Benefits Fund. The program focuses on installing low- to no-cost solar and solar plus storage systems on homes and multifamily buildings to benefit families experiencing low incomes. PSAP aims to reduce or sequester carbon emissions, create meaningful economic opportunities, and enhance Portland's resilience to climate change.
Qualified contractors will be referred projects by Energy Trust in collaboration with community-based organizations (CBOs) including Self Enhancement Inc., APANO, and Community Energy Project. Projects may require enabling repairs such as roof repairs or replacements, electrical upgrades, structural reinforcement, mold mitigation, and tree trimming/removal prior to solar installation. Participating contractors are expected to coordinate with subcontractors to complete these repairs and upgrades. Battery storage systems may also be included in projects to provide backup power during outages and strengthen the utility grid.
Applicants will be evaluated based on pricing, demonstrated experience serving low-income customers, ability to support PSAP projects, trade ally diversity, and customer service quality. Selected contractors (3-12 total) must meet Oregon prevailing wage requirements, complete cultural sensitivity and harassment training, provide a 7-year workmanship warranty and 24 months of system monitoring or maintenance service checks, and submit quarterly PCEF reporting. Equipment must be predominantly manufactured in the United States unless unavailable or cost-prohibitive. Projects will be assigned to participating contractors until Q3 2027, when a new RFQ may be issued.
Key dates include RFQ response acceptance beginning February 17, 2026, optional presentations on February 26, 2026 at 11:00am and March 2, 2026 at 9:00am, question deadline of March 3, 2026 at 11:59pm, RFQ submission deadline of March 20, 2026 at 11:59pm, and notification to respondents by April 15, 2026.