Planning

Solar Battery Pilot

DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

20 May 2026 at 08:47

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Education in the United Kingdom has initiated a procurement process for a "Solar Battery Pilot" project, currently in the planning stage as of 20th May 2026. This initiative falls under the services category within the energy sector and is aimed at developing and deploying solar battery storage solutions in schools across the UK. The procurement method details indicate a potential award under the Construction Professional Services 2 (RM6356) framework or through an open procedure. The project is set to commence on 5th October 2026, with an expected conclusion by 31st March 2028; it may extend until 30th March 2029. The procurement is valued at approximately £3,000,000 (with a net value of £2,500,000) and is competitive, targeting businesses capable of engaging in large-scale, high-value contracts.

This tender presents significant business growth potential for companies specialising in solar installations, battery packs, and energy management services. Organisations with expertise in developing consultancy services, feasibility studies, and energy efficiency consultancy can also benefit from this opportunity. The selective competitive nature of the procurement requires businesses that are adept at working within government-led frameworks and those classified as Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are deemed suitable to bid. Companies involved in research and experimental development, particularly in renewable energy and innovative educational solutions, will find this contract aligns well with their business strategies, offering a platform to enhance their market presence and expand their operational capabilities within the public sector.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Solar Battery Pilot

Notice Description

The Solar Battery Storage Pilot will develop requirements, procure and deliver 6 to 8 containerised battery pods on school sites to manage and aggregate energy from PV and Smart Tariffs. The supplier will also undertake market testing to validate supply chain capacity, cost realism and the technical feasibility of the battery pods. During the project, the supplier will record lessons learned and iterate the initial specification provided by the Department. Once the installation and monitoring of the pilot sites have concluded, the supplier will produce a final specification in keeping with the Department's Specification 2025 (abbreviated as Spec25) and develop comprehensive implementation guidance for schools. The supplier will report case studies throughout the project and prepare these for publication. Finally, the supplier will develop a national feasibility assessment with a proposed implementation plan. The Department is considering a call-off from Construction Professional Services 2 (RM6356) or an Open Procedure tender. If we proceed with RM6356, the specific lot will be determined as the project develops.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069cad
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/046093-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Award under framework
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

09 - Petroleum products, fuel, electricity and other sources of energy

31 - Electrical machinery, apparatus, equipment and consumables; lighting

51 - Installation services (except software)

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

CPV Codes

09332000 - Solar installation

31158000 - Chargers

31422000 - Battery packs

51110000 - Installation services of electrical equipment

71241000 - Feasibility study, advisory service, analysis

71314000 - Energy and related services

71314200 - Energy-management services

71314300 - Energy-efficiency consultancy services

71318000 - Advisory and consultative engineering services

73100000 - Research and experimental development services

73220000 - Development consultancy services

79314000 - Feasibility study

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£2,500,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 May 20263 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
4 Oct 2026 - 31 Mar 2028 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1P 3BT
Post Town
South West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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