Conversation with Drew Frame
9 October 2026
We spoke to Drew Frame, Head of Procurement at NHC Procurement, about our new Batteries and Solar PV Framework, why it has been developed, and how it can support members with solar PV, battery storage and wider energy resilience programmes.
Q: Why has NHC Procurement developed the Batteries and Solar PV Framework?
Drew Frame: Members are increasingly looking for compliant and reliable ways to deliver programmes that improve the energy performance of homes, support decarbonisation and help residents manage energy costs. The framework gives members a clear route to market for solar PV, battery storage and associated sustainable energy solutions, while supporting procurement obligations and value for money.
Q: What products are available through the framework?
DF: The Batteries and Solar PV framework is designed to provide a compliant, flexible route to low-carbon energy and resilience products. It covers solar PV, battery storage and associated sustainable energy solutions that can support members with energy performance, resilience and decarbonisation programmes.
The framework includes Lot 1, awarded to Kight PowerHub and Solo Home Energy Limited following a rigorous evaluation process. It went live in September 2026 after the standstill period and completion of the framework agreements.
Q: What makes batteries and solar PV so important for members right now?
DF: Our members are balancing a number of connected priorities. Many are working to reduce energy costs for residents, respond to fuel poverty, improve the performance of existing homes and meet wider net zero, retrofit and decarbonisation commitments.
Solar PV and battery storage can play an important role in those programmes, but the market is moving quickly. Members need confidence around product standards, supplier capability, installation, maintenance and resident safety. This framework has been developed to provide that assurance through a supported procurement route.
Q: How can members call off from the framework?
DF: Members can use the framework through Direct Award where their requirements match the framework as tendered, or through Further Competition where they need to refine requirements to reflect local needs while remaining within the framework terms.
NHC Procurement facilitates call-offs on behalf of members and supports them through each stage of the process. Members are guided by a dedicated account executive and a procurement and contracts officer, using tools and templates based on the original tender process. Call-offs are conducted electronically via Delta, and members can use the framework individually or collaboratively with other organisations where that helps align service standards, specifications and potentially pricing.
Q: What are the key benefits for members?
DF: The framework gives members a practical route to deliver sustainable energy and resilience programmes with confidence. It offers a compliant, flexible route to market for solar PV, battery storage and associated resilience products, while supporting aims around reduced resident energy costs, net zero, retrofit and decarbonisation.
It also gives members confidence in supplier capability, product standards, installation, maintenance and resident safety through a rigorously evaluated supplier panel.
Q: What support does NHC Procurement provide throughout the process?
DF: Whether members need support at every stage of the process or a little guidance to get started, NHC Procurement’s team can help them understand the framework, choose the most suitable call-off route and access the support available.
Members can speak to their account executive about their requirements, or contact the team on 0191 566 1000 or solutions@nhcprocurement.org.uk to discuss the Sustainable Energy and Resilience Products Framework and the support available.
