PSDS Phase 4: Solar Carport Eligibility for UK Public Sector

What PSDS Phase 4 covers

PSDS Phase 4 was announced by DESNZ in early 2024 with £1.4bn of capex grant funding allocated to 2024-28. Eligible measures include: heat pumps, low-carbon heating, energy efficiency upgrades, solar PV, solar thermal, battery storage, and EV charging infrastructure. Solar carports are explicitly listed as eligible in the 2024 scheme prospectus.

Who is eligible

(1) NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts. (2) State schools (primary, secondary, special schools, sixth-form colleges, FE colleges). (3) Higher Education institutions. (4) Local authorities. (5) Police, fire and rescue services. (6) MoD non-operational estates. Bodies not eligible: parish councils (too small), academies via non-LA route (use CIF instead), independent schools.

Application process and timeline

Applications are made via the Salix Finance portal at salixfinance.co.uk. Process: (1) Submit Expression of Interest. (2) Receive feedback on scope alignment. (3) Submit full application with SBEM modelling and carbon abatement case. (4) Salix review and approval (typically 6-12 weeks). (5) Project delivery within 18 months of award.

Documentation requirements

Carbon abatement model in line with HM Treasury Green Book. SBEM modelling showing baseline vs improved energy performance. Project cost breakdown. Timeline with delivery milestones. Procurement strategy (typically OJEU-compliant framework call-off). Post-delivery monitoring plan.

Funding rates

Capex grant is normally 100% of project cost for measures meeting the scheme's value-for-money threshold (typically £400/tCO₂e abated or better). Some measures (battery storage, low-yield solar) may be part-funded. Solar carports in commercial sites typically achieve £150-£250/tCO₂e — comfortably within threshold.

Stackable schemes

PSDS stacks with: OZEV WCS for any EV charging in scope (up to £14k). Salix Recycling Fund for any post-PSDS top-up. AIA — N/A for public sector (no corporation tax). Welsh and Scottish public-sector loans for those nations' bodies.

Our delivery role

We manage end-to-end PSDS applications: SBEM modelling, carbon assessment, value-for-money case, application drafting, response to Salix clarifications, post-award monitoring, final claim documentation. Service included in standard project pricing.