If you are an installer wishing to expand your business into renewable technologies or a manufacturer looking to showcase the excellence of your product, understanding the significance of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is vital. MSC certification serves as a key marker of quality, trust, and adherence to the stringent standards that safeguard our march toward a more sustainable future.
What is MCS, and what does it stand for?
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme, better known by its abbreviation MCS, is a pivotal UK entity championing the cause of small-scale renewable energy generation. A beacon of standardisation, it sets the bar high, demanding excellence from products and installers in this ever-evolving industry.
It’s important to note that MCS doesn’t certify companies itself – rather, it licenses certification bodies to do so.
MCS is not just a regulator; it’s the cornerstone of quality assurance. Its presence helps to ensure that consumers are provided with efficient, reliable renewable energy technologies adeptly installed by competent professionals. The benefits of MCS extend beyond quality assurance; it is also a conduit for consumers to access governmental incentives for renewable energy. The scheme operates on two primary fronts.
- First, it assists in ensuring the products utilised for microgeneration – from wind turbines to solar panels – are robust, reliable and meet rigorous performance criteria. This forms the MCS certification, a stamp of approval that assures consumers of a product’s worth.
- Second, it certifies companies and technicians installing these renewable technologies, establishing an MCS-certified network of professionals. To achieve this coveted status, installers must demonstrate competency, adhere to industry best practices, and confirm their commitment to high-quality customer service.
This stringent process fosters trust and assurance among consumers seeking to shift towards a greener future.
What is MCS certification?
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is a mark of quality assurance in the renewable energy sector. It’s aimed at businesses that install small-scale renewable or low-carbon heat and power solutions, and it indicates that these businesses operate to high industry standards, as outlined by the MCS.
The MCS aims to assure consumers that the products they purchase and the installers they engage with are of the highest quality and that the systems will perform efficiently and safely. The scheme covers a range of technologies, from solar photovoltaics and wind turbines to heat pumps and biomass systems.
To achieve MCS certification, a business must demonstrate its adherence to rigorous standards. These standards govern various aspects of the business operation, from the technical competency of the staff to the effectiveness of the quality management system to the standards of customer care.
Once certified, a business is listed on the MCS website, allowing potential customers to verify their credentials. Customers typically need certification to access certain government incentives like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), thereby offering businesses a significant advantage in the marketplace.
Why is MCS certification important?
MCS certification verifies the quality and reliability of renewable energy systems and installations. It illustrates that products and services meet strict industry standards for efficiency, reliability and safety. It provides a mark of quality that businesses and consumers can trust, assuring the performance and longevity of renewable energy solutions. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in building consumer confidence and supporting environmental sustainability.
Quality assurance
MCS certification helps demonstrate that renewable energy systems and installations align with industry standards for efficiency, reliability and safety. It signals to consumers and businesses that the products and services they use adhere to rigorous criteria aimed at maximising performance and longevity.
Compliance with the MCS requirements encourages consumers to purchase quality-certified products and use professional installers. This helps to avoid expensive mistakes and rework, ultimately leading to more dependable and efficient renewable energy solutions.
Consumer confidence
Having confidence in MCS-certified installers and products encourages more consumers to invest in renewable energy technologies, as they know they are making a good decision backed by a reputable certification scheme. This increased adoption further supports the renewable energy market, contributing to wider environmental benefits and helping to achieve energy sustainability goals. MCS-certified installer can make a significant difference when consumers decide to adopt renewable energy technologies.
Environmental sustainability
Promoting the use of efficient renewable energy systems through MCS certification helps reduce carbon emissions and supports environmental sustainability. Certified systems are more likely to perform optimally, ensuring that they effectively reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This commitment to sustainability helps address climate change and supports national and global environmental goals.
Access to government incentives
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme is essential for those qualifying to receive government incentives like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). Being certified can provide access to a larger market of customers who want to take advantage of these schemes.
Regulatory compliance
Certification is essential for businesses to comply with legal and regulatory requirements, which reduces risks and assists with smooth operations. Being certified indicates that products and installations meet all necessary regulations and standards. This can help reduce the risk of legal issues and facilitate smoother project approvals and implementations.
Industry best practices
MCS encourages continual improvement and innovation within the renewable energy sector by setting and maintaining high standards. The certification promotes adopting industry best practices, ensuring that the sector evolves and adapts to new technologies and methods, maintaining its relevance and effectiveness. Please read our guide to the cost benefits of sustainable buildings and construction.
Who is MCS certification for?
MCS certification is designed for businesses – specifically those in the renewable energy sector installing small-scale renewable or low-carbon heat and power solutions in domestic and commercial properties.
Typically, the businesses seeking MCS certification will be those installing technologies such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, wind turbines, biomass boilers, heat pumps, micro CHP systems, and associated technologies like battery storage systems. These technologies can vary in scale, from small domestic installations to larger commercial or community energy projects.
The certification is a quality assurance scheme that demonstrates to customers and stakeholders that the business operates to high industry standards. It shows that the business is committed to delivering a high level of service, from the initial design and quotation stages, through to the installation and after-sales service.
MCS certification is not only beneficial to businesses, but it is often a requirement for customers. As a result, having MCS certification can offer businesses a significant competitive advantage in the marketplace.
What are the benefits of MCS certification?
The certification is a valuable asset for businesses and individuals in the renewable energy sector, offering a wide range of benefits, from increased business opportunities to a positive environmental impact.
Benefits include:
- Improved reputation – MCS certification is a mark of quality, demonstrating to customers that the installer adheres to high standards of competence and professionalism. It can significantly enhance an installer’s reputation and standing in the industry.
- Increased business opportunities – It can open doors to new business opportunities, including government and large-scale projects and make businesses eligible for a wider range of projects and partnerships.
- Financial incentives – By obtaining MCS certification for both products and installers, both businesses and individuals can benefit from the UK government incentives aimed at promoting the use of renewable energy technologies. This makes their investments in renewable energy more economically viable.
- Builds customer trust – Certification provides customers with the assurance that products and services meet high standards of quality and reliability.
- Quality standardisation – MCS certification reduces variability and helps to standardise quality across the renewable energy sector, to help deliver consistent performance regardless of the product or installer. This encourages more widespread adoption of renewable technologies.
- Commitment to sustainable practices – Installers demonstrate their commitment to promoting sustainable and renewable energy practices, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
- Competitive advantage – Being MCS-certified can give an installer a significant advantage over competitors who do not have the certification. Customers often consider it a key factor when choosing between different installers.
- Ongoing support and guidance – The MCS provides its certified installers with regular updates on industry developments, best practices and regulation changes. This support can help installers stay up-to-date and continually improve their services.
- Consumer protection – It offers consumers valuable protections and benefits. In the event of any issues or complaints with their product or installer, consumers have access to independent dispute resolution services. MCS certification also allows consumers to take advantage of warranty schemes, providing product coverage for up to ten years.
Please read our guide to how to make your business environmentally sustainable.
How to become MCS-certified
To become an MCS-certified installer, a business needs to go through a multi-step process that involves demonstrating compliance with MCS installation standards. Here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Understand the requirements
The first step is to understand the requirements for MCS certification. These are detailed in the MCS Installer Standards and include technical competency requirements, quality management system requirements, and requirements for dealing with customers.
2. Training and qualifications
Ensure your team has the necessary training and qualifications to install the types of renewable energy technologies you plan to install. These could range from solar PV to wind turbines, heat pumps, and more.
3. Quality Management System (QMS)
Develop and implement a QMS within your business. This will need to cover all aspects of your business operations, from initial customer contact and quotation through to design, installation and after-sales service.
4. Choose an MCS certification body
Choose a trusted MCS certification body such as British Assessment Bureau to assess your business. This body must be approved by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) – at British Assessment Bureau, we are UKAS-approved.
Click here to become MCS-certified.
Submit your application for MCS certification to your chosen certification body. As part of your application, you’ll need to provide details about your business, your Quality Management System, and evidence of your team’s training and qualifications.
5. Undergo assessment
The certification body will then assess your application. This typically involves a review of your documentation, an office audit to assess your Quality Management System, and a site audit to assess the quality of your installations.
6. Address any non-compliances
If the certification body identifies any nonconformities during the assessment, you will need to address these and provide evidence of the corrective action you have taken.
7. Achieve MCS certification
Once the certification body is satisfied that you meet all of the MCS requirements, you will be granted MCS certification. Your business will then be listed on the MCS website as a certified installer.
8. Maintain your certification
MCS certification is not a one-time process. To maintain your certification, you must demonstrate ongoing compliance with the MCS standards. This typically involves undergoing annual reassessments by your certification body.
This process is a significant commitment, but it provides a valuable assurance of quality for your customers and can open up new business opportunities. As always, it’s recommended to consult the official MCS guidelines and work closely with your chosen certification body throughout the process.
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Is MCS certification a legal requirement?
MCS certification is not a legal requirement for installers of small-scale renewable or low-carbon heat and power solutions in the UK. Businesses can install these technologies without being MCS-certified.
However, if homeowners or businesses wish to benefit from certain government incentives, such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), the installation must be carried out by an MCS-certified installer, using MCS-certified products. Therefore, while not legally mandatory, MCS certification is effectively a prerequisite for installers whose customers wish to access these incentives.
Furthermore, MCS certification provides an important marker of quality. It indicates to customers that an installer operates to a high standard and is capable of delivering a reliable and efficient system. Thus, while it is not a legal requirement, obtaining MCS certification can be beneficial in terms of gaining consumer trust and standing out in a competitive market.
How much does it cost to become MCS-certified?
The cost of becoming MCS-certified can vary based on various factors, such as the size of your organisation, the type of renewable energy systems you install and the number of locations you operate from.
The process typically involves expenses including application fees to submit your application to an accredited certification body, assessment and audit fees, and training and competency development – crucial components of the accreditation process.
Another important step is implementing a robust Quality Management System (QMS). If you require external assistance, this might involve consultancy fees and costs related to preparing and maintaining necessary documentation, which can vary depending on whether the work is done in-house or outsourced.
While exact costs can vary widely, small to medium installers might expect to spend between £1,000 and £5,000 annually, including application, audits and training. Larger installers could see costs ranging from £5,000 to £10,000 or more annually, factoring in more extensive audits and additional training needs.
What’s the difference between product certification and installer certification?
In the renewable energy sector, MCS certification plays a pivotal role in ensuring the quality and safety of both products and installation services.
Two primary types of certification stand out – product certification and installation certification. While both aim to uphold high standards within the industry, they focus on different aspects of the renewable energy ecosystem.
Product certification
Product certification ensures that a specific renewable energy product meets established standards of quality, performance and safety.
This certification is typically granted to the product manufacturers. The primary focus of product certification is to validate that the product has been rigorously tested and meets the stringent criteria set by the certification body. This includes assessments of the product’s efficiency, reliability and overall performance under various conditions. Safety compliance is a critical component, indicating that the product is safe for consumer use and adheres to industry safety standards.
Manufacturers seeking product certification must maintain comprehensive documentation to ensure traceability and accountability throughout the product’s lifecycle. Product certification offers significant benefits. It assures consumers that they are purchasing a reliable, high-quality product, boosting consumer confidence. Additionally, it grants manufacturers access to markets and enables participation in government incentive programmes that mandate certified products.
Installer certification
Installers with an MCS certificate indicate they have the necessary skills, knowledge and expertise to properly install renewable energy systems according to industry standards. This certification verifies their competency, qualifications, training and practical experience, emphasising adherence to best practices and relevant installation standards to guarantee the quality and reliability of the installation services provided.
Certified installers are required to engage in continual learning and stay updated with the latest industry advancements, promoting ongoing professional development. The benefits of installer certification are manifold. It builds consumer trust by assuring that installations are carried out by qualified professionals, reducing the risk of installation errors and leading to more reliable and efficient renewable energy systems. Certified installers can gain access to projects and tenders that require professional certification, increasing their business opportunities.
Learn how fuel efficiency can save your business thousands each year.
What technologies does MCS certification cover?
Each of the technologies you’ve mentioned relates to different types of small-scale renewable energy generation, which are all within the purview of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). If a business is seeking to become an MCS-certified installer, it must demonstrate its proficiency in installing and maintaining one or more of these technologies.
Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
Solar PV systems convert sunlight directly into electricity. They are one of the most common forms of renewable energy generation. MCS certification verifies that the business is competent in installing and servicing these systems to a high standard.
Air source heat pump
These systems absorb heat from the outside air to heat buildings and water. MCS certification demonstrates that the business is proficient in installing, commissioning, and providing aftercare for these types of systems.
Battery Storage
This relates to systems that store electricity generated by renewable sources for later use. An MCS-certified installer will have demonstrated proficiency in the safe and effective installation of these storage systems.
Exhaust air heat pump
These systems extract heat from exhaust air, typically from bathrooms and kitchens, and use it for heating and hot water. MCS-certified businesses are deemed proficient in installing and maintaining these systems.
Ground/water source heat pump
These systems extract heat from the ground or water sources to heat buildings and water. MCS certification demonstrates that the business is competent in installing and maintaining these complex systems.
Solar-assisted heat pump
These are a kind of air-source heat pump that uses a solar collector instead of air. For a business to be MCS-certified in this area, it must be adept at installing, commissioning, and providing after-sales service for these systems.
Wind turbines
Wind turbines harness wind energy to generate electricity, making them a sustainable and renewable energy solution. For a business to be MCS-certified in this area, it must demonstrate competence in the installation, commissioning and maintenance of wind turbines up to 50 kW.
Each of these technologies presents unique installation and maintenance challenges. As such, MCS certification can serve as a strong signal to consumers that a business can provide high-quality installation and service in these specific areas.
Click here to become MCS-certified.
MCS certificate for solar panels
Unlike the Gas Safe Register, there is no legal requirement for solar panel installers and suppliers to be MCS-approved. However, the MCS scheme offers significant benefits by certifying suppliers, installers, and products that meet high standards, reassuring customers about the quality of their investment.
If a solar product or installer is not MCS-approved, it’s advisable to exercise caution. While certification is not legally mandated, having an MCS certificate is essential for consumers seeking financial funding through incentive schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
According to Ofgem, for installations including solar PV, wind, and micro-CHP up to 50 kW, it is necessary to demonstrate that both the installation and the installer are “suitably certified”. Ofgem notes: “If a generator is unable to demonstrate that their installation is suitably certified, an SEG licensee is not obliged to offer payments under the SEG, but they can make payments if they wish.”
While MCS certification is not a legal requirement, it is a valuable credential that enhances consumer trust and unlocks access to financial incentives, making it a crucial consideration for anyone involved in installing or purchasing solar panels.
Start your MCS certification journey with British Assessment Bureau
Boost your credibility and showcase the quality of your renewable energy services with British Assessment Bureau. Our comprehensive support and expert guidance make it easier to meet rigorous MCS standards and stay up-to-date with industry best practices. Get started on your journey to MCS certification – Get a quote today or contact our team to discuss your needs.
