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. It serves as a key marker of quality, trust, and adherence to the stringent standards that safeguard our march towards a more sustainable future.
What is MCS?
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 both products and installers within this ever-evolving industry.
MCS is not just a regulator; it’s the cornerstone of quality assurance. Its presence ensures 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 ensures 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 who install these renewable technologies, thereby establishing an MCS-certified network of professionals. To achieve this coveted status, installers must demonstrate their competency, show adherence 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 sets out to provide consumers with an assurance 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. Certification is typically required for customers to access certain government incentives like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), thereby offering businesses a significant advantage in the marketplace.
Who is MCS certification for?
MCS certification is designed for businesses – specifically those in the renewable energy sector that install 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 to access government incentives and schemes for renewable energy installations, such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) in the UK. As a result, having MCS certification can offer businesses a significant competitive advantage in the marketplace.
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:
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.
Training and qualifications
Ensure your team has the necessary training and qualifications in the installation of the types of renewable energy technologies you plan to install. These could range from solar PV to wind turbines, heat pumps, and more.
Quality Management System (QMS)
Develop and implement a quality management system 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.
Choose an MCS certification body
Choose a trusted MCS certification body such as British Assessment Bureau to assess your business. It is important that this body must be approved by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), and we at the British Assessment Bureau are.
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.
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.
Address any non-compliances
If the certification body identifies any non-compliances during the assessment, you will need to address these and provide evidence of the corrective action you have taken.
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.
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.
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.
Why should I become a certified installer?
There are many benefits that installers can gain from becoming MCS certification:
Enhanced 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 trust
Customers are more likely to trust and choose an installer that is MCS-certified. This is because the certification is a sign that the installer has been independently assessed and certified to carry out installations to a high standard.
Access to government schemes
Many UK government incentives and schemes aimed at promoting the use of renewable energy technologies require the use of MCS-certified installers. Being certified can therefore provide access to a larger market of customers who want to take advantage of these schemes.
Competitive advantage
Being MCS-certified can give an installer a significant advantage over competitors who do not have the certification. It is often a key factor that customers consider when choosing between different installers.
Increased business opportunities
MCS certification can open up more business opportunities, such as partnerships with manufacturers of MCS-certified products and services.
Ongoing support and guidance
The MCS provides its certified installers with regular updates on industry developments, best practices, and changes in regulations. This support can help installers stay up-to-date and continually improve their services.
Commitment to sustainable practices
By becoming MCS-certified, installers demonstrate their commitment to promoting sustainable and renewable energy practices, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
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. Here’s the relevance of each:
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 ensures 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 ensures 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 the installation, commissioning, and provision of after-sales service for these systems.
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 is capable of providing high-quality installation and service in these specific areas.
