460 kWp PSDS-Funded Civic Centre Solar Carport
A district council in the South East delivered a 460 kWp solar carport over a 380-bay civic centre car park, funded entirely by PSDS Phase 3c (£1.05m capex grant). The carport feeds the civic centre, library, leisure centre, and 28 public-pay EV chargers operated under an Osprey concession.
Project at a glance
Challenge
The civic centre is the most photographed building in the borough — design had to be aesthetically right for visitor experience. The car park is dual-use: civic centre staff, library visitors, leisure centre members, and shared with the adjacent town centre at evenings/weekends. EV chargers had to be public-pay with revenue share negotiated with the council. The PSDS funding window required project completion within 18 months of award.
Our Approach
- PSDS Phase 3c application with full SBEM modelling — secured £1.05m grant (100% capex)
- Heritage-respectful design with white powder-coat columns and brushed-aluminium fascias
- Multi-zone car park layout: civic staff zone, library/leisure visitor zone, evening overspill zone
- Public EV charging via Osprey concession agreement — council retains 12% gross revenue share
- Bilingual signage (English + Welsh in this case)
- Tier-1 Longi Hi-MO 5m 580W bifacial panels with Huawei SUN2000 inverters
Outcomes
"PSDS made the capital question disappear. The savings now fund our community climate grants programme — direct, visible reinvestment from one bit of decarbonisation infrastructure to another."
— Deputy Chief Executive, District Council
Spec a Similar Project
Free feasibility, indicative ROI within 5 working days.