Schools, Colleges & Universities Solar Carport Buyer's Guide and Checklist

The Schools, Colleges & Universities Solar Carport Checklist

This checklist is for schools, colleges & universities buyers — typically finance directors, sustainability heads, estate managers or procurement leads — and sets out what to check, ask and budget for before a carport project goes to tender.

What to check

• Salix programmes for HE and FE: check what applies in your nation
• DfE Condition Improvement Fund: check eligibility for state schools and academies
• PSDS Phase 4: closed to new applications in November 2024
• Curriculum integration: ask for live energy-data dashboards if teaching use is wanted
• BREEAM Excellent and Net Zero Carbon Building Standard: check whether either applies to your estate
• Safeguarding: agree DBS and safeguarding arrangements for term-time work with the installer
• Worked example: see the modelled 420 kWp university carport on the education sector page

How to use the checklist

• Run an internal feasibility estimate for your site profile
• Identify the right funding route (capital allowances / PPA / asset finance / nation-specific public-sector programmes)
• Build the business case for board/committee approval
• Know what to ask installers when running a competitive tender

Before you appoint an installer

• Check the installer's MCS certificate on the MCS register where the scheme applies, and OZEV authorisation if EV chargers are included
• Ask who holds the principal designer and principal contractor roles under CDM 2015
• Ask for a RIDDOR record and a current CHAS, SafeContractor or Constructionline certificate
• Ask who submits the planning and G99 grid applications, and what the quote includes
• Ask what the O&M agreement and the manufacturer warranties cover

Related on solarcarparks.co.uk

• Full Schools, Colleges & Universities sector guide
• Grants & funding routes
• Compare PPA, AIA, asset finance, Salix