Next we need to plan for technology and vendor selection. First of all we need to determine technology specifications for generating equipment, electrical infrastructure, civil works and desired terms and conditions. We then move to the vendor selection, we create RFPs from the specifications, issue RFPs to candidate vendors then receive and evaluate proposals from the vendors and finally select vendors and sign contracts. Perhaps first we'll want to develop specifications for the primary generating technologies that we're using for our project. These were very widely depending on the project that we're developing. It could be solar panels and arrays, concentrating solar power collectors and steam turbines, wind onshore and offshore turbines, hydropower turbine generators, geothermal steam turbines, methane biomass digesters, ocean current turbans, wave energy collectors, energy storage batteries. It all depends on the project we're building. For almost any project we'll need to specify the electrical equipment required to move power from individual generators to the grid. This may include inverters, transformers, power gensets, generator sets, wiring and cabling, fuses, switchgear and breakers, internal transmission lines, good connection equipment, energy storage systems. If we're including storage with our project, and whole system monitoring. So we know what's going on over time. For most projects we'll need to develop specifications for needed civil works, including roadways and parking, foundations and pads, racking and superstructures, conduits and tunnels, generating stations, outbuildings, security fencing and equipment, storm water drainage and transmission poles and lines. Here is a sequential process for screening and selecting candidate technologies that we wish to consider for a particular use. First we make a list of technologies that we wish to consider. Then we screen those technologies that do not meet minimum requirements, we eliminate those. Next we rescore the remaining technologies and eliminate the lowest scoring. We undertake a detailed review of the technologies that remain and eliminate those for which there are better alternatives. Then for the surviving technologies we eliminate those that have less preferred ancillary characteristics although their primary use may be fine. And finally we select a single remaining technology. Here are some important considerations when selecting a particular technology. Technology specifications and performance clearly of great importance. Product warranties are important, power warranties, insurances and surety bonds, industrial certifications if needed, transportation and shipping, availability and costs, maintenance and repair records, spare parts availability, pricing of course, and payment terms. All of these are considerations when evaluating alternative technologies. In addition to selecting technologies, we'll need to identify and select vendors for our project. Here's a formal process for soliciting and evaluating vendor proposals. First, we develop requests for proposals that summarize equipment or service requirements in the scope of work required. We want to be sure to include clear evaluation criteria. Next we want to notify potential vendors of RFPs. We can use professional networks, trade publications, direct correspondence and so forth. We want to be sure to include a deadline for proposals. Next we want to evaluate proposals that we receive. We want to interview and visit vendors as needed or have them visit us. And we want to evaluate proposals against the criteria that we originally set. And finally, we award a contract to the winning vendor or vendors. We make the award decisions, award and sign contracts with the chosen vendors. Here is an example of scoring sheet for vendor selection. We will want to consider technical capabilities, vendor experience, local versus global scope of the vendor, customer success practices of the vendor, the reputation of the vendor, customer preferences and references, social policies, data security, terms and conditions, and all in pricing. Again, pricing is very important, but so are these other criteria. In summary here's a checklist for technology and vendor selection. First, we want to develop technology specifications including generating equipment, electrical infrastructure, civil works required, terms and conditions. Then we'll want to undertake a vendor selection process which includes creating RFPs, issuing RFPs, receiving and evaluating proposals and then finally selecting vendors and signing contracts.
