Ten regional lots, carefully selected public sector specialists and a compliant route to solar delivery under the Procurement Act 2023
West Mercia Energy (WME) has launched its new Supply and Installation of Solar PV Framework, combining compliance under the Procurement Act 2023 with ten regional lots and suppliers selected for their experience specifically across education and public sector environments. The framework gives schools, multi-academy trusts and wider public sector organisations a streamlined route to turn decarbonisation plans into deliverable renewable energy projects.
Rather than offering access to a generic supplier pool, the framework brings together trusted suppliers selected through a robust, best-value procurement process for their relevant experience in education and public sector settings. Customers can therefore work with contractors who understand safeguarding, operational sensitivities and the need to minimise disruption, while reducing the time, resource and procurement risk involved in sourcing solar PV solutions.
Helping public sector organisations act on net zero plans
Many public sector bodies have already completed energy audits, feasibility studies and carbon reduction plans. The new framework addresses the next challenge: procuring and installing the technology needed to deliver those plans. Solar PV enables organisations to generate renewable electricity on-site, reduce reliance on the grid, improve energy resilience and manage exposure to future energy price rises. Systems can operate for 25 years or more, supporting long-term carbon and cost savings.
Key framework benefits
A regional model designed around delivery
The framework is divided into ten regional lots, helping customers engage suppliers with knowledge of local markets, planning considerations and supply chains. The structure supports responsiveness and accountability while creating more opportunities for local contractors and SMEs, strengthening regional employment and skills, and reducing travel-related emissions.
- Compliance under the Procurement Act 2023: customers can use a framework procured under PA23, reducing the time, complexity and risk of running a full standalone tender while retaining confidence in a robust and transparent route to market.
- Trusted sector expertise: suppliers have relevant experience in education and public sector environments, including safeguarding, operational sensitivity and the need to minimise disruption.
- Flexible award options: organisations can use either direct award, where appropriate, or a mini-competition to compare project-specific quality, pricing and proposals.
- Managed or self-service access: WME can administer the procurement exercise, or customers can use the framework documentation to manage the process themselves.
- Competitive regional supplier capacity: a maximum of five appointed suppliers in each lot maintains meaningful competition while keeping supplier management efficient and transparent.
- Support beyond installation: where generation exceeds consumption, WME can help customers put a Smart Export Guarantee arrangement in place for exported electricity.
Supporting better environmental and financial outcomes
A typical solar installation can reduce electricity bills by up to 30%, subject to factors including roof suitability, system size and the site’s consumption profile. Alongside reducing carbon emissions, visible solar installations can also demonstrate environmental leadership to staff, pupils, service users and local communities.
With more than 35 years’ experience in public sector energy procurement, WME supports over 500 public sector organisations, including local authorities, blue light services, NHS organisations and town and district councils, as well as approximately 3,000 education settings.
The Solar PV Framework forms part of WME’s wider “Use Cleaner, Use Less” approach, connecting planning and consultancy with practical, on-site delivery.
WME’s Head of Business Development, Gavin Owen, said: “Our customers increasingly want one trusted partner to support both their energy and decarbonisation requirements. In support of this, WME is expanding its services to provide a complete solution. From risk managed energy procurement inclusive of a leading managed service, to encompassing expert decarbonisation planning and practical delivery. Our new Solar PV Framework is an important part of that offer”.
Find out more
Public sector organisations interested in accessing the framework or discussing a potential solar PV project should contact customerservices@westmerciaenergy.co.uk
