Why Choose MCS Certified Solar Thermal Installers?

What is the MCS scheme?

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) was introduced to help support the fast-growing microgeneration industry in the UK. The scheme sets robust standards for both microgeneration products and installers giving consumers the confidence to invest in the technology to help decarbonise UK energy supplies.

Why choose an MCS Certified Solar Thermal installer?

MCS accreditation demonstrates compliance with a range of industry standards. The scheme is backed by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy which ensures the UK’s climate change policy is at the forefront of policy making for business, industry, science and innovation.

Choosing a MCS certified solar thermal installer has the following benefits for the consumer:

Improved consumer protection

All MCS certified installers also have to maintain an active membership of a recognised consumer code. MCS solar thermal installers should be members of either the Home Insulation & Energy Systems Contractors Scheme (HIES) or the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC). Membership of these schemes ensures consumers are protected by a Trading Standards Institute Approved Code of Practice.

Compliance with building regulations

To comply with NHBC or Building Control regulations, all renewable installers must be registered on the Competent Persons Scheme. MCS certification is the only scheme in the UK which proves competence for installing renewables. Most building site foreman will ask to see a valid MCS certificate before allowing contractors on site.

Eligibility for mortgages and finance

The Council of Mortgage Lenders stipulates that for a home to be eligible for a mortgage any new or existing solar thermal installations must have been installed by MCS certified solar thermal installers. Not having MCS certification will result in the home not meeting standard lending requirements which will make selling the home or obtaining a mortgage difficult.

Compliance with insurance

Many home insurance policies require that all installed renewables are MCS certified. Not having MCS certification may result in your home insurance policies being invalid. Certification must be obtained when the system is installed because MCS cannot be given retrospectively.

Eligibility for financial Incentives

MCS certification is also a requirement to obtain funding from any Government-sponsored incentive scheme, such as the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). The RHI scheme will make you eligible for quarterly cash payments over the course of seven years – it’s a scheme driven by the government to encourage the uptake of renewable heat technologies in homes.

What products fall under the MCS assurance scheme?

MCS certification covers a wide range of low carbon and renewable energy installations including:

• Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels (up to 50kW)
• Solar thermal collectors (up to 45kW)
• Heat pumps (up to 45 kW)
• Biomass boilers (up to 45 kW)
• Combined Heat and Power (CHP) boilers (50 kW for electricity & 45 kW for heating)
• Hydroelectric systems (up to 50 kW)
• Wind turbines (up to 50 kW)

How to obtain your MCS compliance certificate

Your MCS certified solar thermal installer should provide you with a copy of your MCS certificate once the installation is complete. The certificate records key information about your solar thermal system and confirms that it was installed following MCS standards.

You should try and keep your certificate safe, but a record will also be kept on the MCS Installation Database (MID). This keeps a secure record of every MCS certified installation in the UK.

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