Solomon Islands : Renewable Energy ( Solar) Consultant

Project: Solar Assessment for Ministry of Finance and Treasury Buildings.

Duty Station: Solomon Islands Site Visit and Remote.

Contract Duration: 05 JAN 2025 – 31 MAR 2025.

Number of Work Days Estimated (internal purpose only): ~20-25 days.

Consultant Level: Level 5

Total Fees: ~USD 10,00 – 15,000

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. To learn more please visit our GGGI web page.

GGGI began its operations in the Solomon Islands in 2019, focusing on capacity building for renewables, energy efficiency, rural electrification, and inclusive development. Since then, GGGI has implemented several national and regional projects funded by Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and others. Key achievements include the launch of the Solomon Islands Low Emission Development Strategy in 2023 and advancements in MRV systems, climate finance, and green entrepreneurship. GGGI’s engagement aligns with the priorities of the Solomon Islands Government, particularly in areas such as green finance, climate finance access, carbon market policy development, Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) investment planning, and e-mobility. By supporting these initiatives, GGGI aims to enhance the country’s resilience to climate change and promote sustainable, inclusive growth.

The Solomon Islands has significant potential for renewable energy, particularly solar power, to address its growing energy demand and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT), as a major energy consumer, has identified solar power as a viable solution to reduce energy costs and environmental impact. By implementing solar power systems, the government aligns with SIGs Nationally Determined Contributions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development and can contribute to a cleaner and greener future for Solomon Islands. To support this initiative, GGGI is recruiting a Renewable Energy Specialist Consultant to undertake a feasibility study. The consultant will assess the potential for solar PV systems on selected government buildings owned by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury. The study aims to determine the most suitable solution, evaluating whether grid-connected systems or off grid options would provide the greatest benefits in terms of cost, efficiency and sustainability. This analysis will ensure that the selected systems align with the government energy goals and operational needs.

The primary objectives of this assignment are:

• To develop a comprehensive technical and financial feasibility assessment for the installation of solar PV systems on two government buildings owned by the MOFT.
• To provide detailed technical reports, costs estimates, recommendations and procurement documents to support the implementation of these solar PV systems.

Specifically, the scope of work for the consultant includes:

Task 1: Project initiation and planning

• The consultant will schedule a kick-off meeting with GGGI to discuss the project’s objectives, scope, and budget. The consultant will develop the methodology and workplan, which will include a detailed schedule of tasks, milestones and deliverables, including site visits and data collection.

Deliverable 1: Inception Report including workplan and methodology

Task 2: Technical outputs and feasibility assessment

• The consultant will conduct a feasibility study to assess the technical viability of solar energy systems at the two site locations, one in Noro and one in Honiara. The assessment for each building is described below:

For Building 1 (Under Construction, Noro):

• Conduct a thorough site assessment, including solar resource assessment, load profiling, and identification of suitable installation areas.
• Provide an energy efficiency assessment and recommendations.
• Develop a detailed system design, including system sizing, component selection, and system layout. The Design should also provide recommendations of two different scenarios, 75% Renewable and 50% renewable. Different battery size and which is the best option and the technical layout for each scenario either off grid or on grid.
• Prepare a comprehensive cost estimate, including hardware, installation, and maintenance. Develop detailed procurement documents, including RFPs/RFQs, technical specifications, and contract terms and conditions.
• Ensure that all selected equipment is listed under the Australian Smart Energy Council.
• Provide at least one option that ensures the system can operate independently for a minimum of one-day autonomy. (For Solar System design it is better to always have a 3 days autonomy or more)

For Building 2 (Design Stage, Honiara):

• Review the building design to identify opportunities for solar PV integration, considering factors such as building orientation, shading, and structural capacity.
• Conduct a preliminary site assessment to estimate solar resource potential and potential system size.
• Develop a preliminary design for the solar PV system, including system sizing and component selection. The Design should also provide recommendations of two different scenarios, 75% Renewable and 50% renewable. Different battery size and which is the best option and the technical layout for each scenario either off grid or on grid.
• Provide a preliminary cost estimate for the solar PV system.
• Provide recommendations for optimizing the building design to maximize solar energy potential and minimize energy consumption (energy efficiency assessment and recommendations).

Deliverable 2: Technical outputs and feasibility report

Task 3: Validation and final report

• The consultant will validate the findings of the technical outputs and feasibility report and submit a final report. This includes conducting a validation workshop with the identified key stakeholders, addressing any feedback or concerns raised, and finalizing the deliverables. The final technical report will provide a comprehensive overview of the project, including the findings of the study, the recommendations, detailed costing, procurement documentation, and supporting documentation, including spreadsheets used for calculations and a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the key findings and recommendations.

Deliverable 3: Final technical report, including submission of spreadsheet(s) used, PowerPoint Presentation.

The deliverables and payment schedule will be:

The following shall apply:

• The Consultant shall submit the Final Report which should reflect the outcome of all activities prepared by the consultant. The report should also give recommendations for further activities to be carried out in order to secure a long-term sustainable development.
• All relevant technical papers, reports, and other documents prepared from the start to the end of the assignment shall be attached to the Final Report.
• The Consultant shall submit the report in both hard copies and electronic versions readable by a Microsoft Office application.
• All outputs must be in English.
• Final report must be approved by the GGGI with the agreement of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury. The Consultant shall consider the comments and necessary revisions proposed. Within 14 days from the receipt of the comments or modification proposal from the GGGI, the Consultant shall prepare and submit the final versions of the report.

EXPERTISE REQUIERED

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION