(mcs) MICROGENERATION CERTIFICATION SCHEME

Certification demonstrates that the installed products and the installer meet the approved standards.

If a renewable energy solution is not MCS approved, homeowners will be unable to sell their energy back to the national grid.

Companies, regardless of size, undertaking renewable energy source installation which intend to be fed back into the national grid will need MCS certification. 

If your employer is MCS accredited, you will not need to hold the accreditation yourself. However, if you want to work for yourself, you must be MCS accredited. 

To become an MCS-certified installer, you must identify a certification body you want to become a member of. The certification body will then guide you through the process. 

Prices and duration with vary, so it’s advised that you consider a range of options to find what’s best for your business.

Installers will be assessed against MCS 001 standard and the specific standards for the technology you want to be certified for. 

The cost of MCS Accreditation will vary depending on the technologies you want to install. Contractors already registered can benefit from reduced pricing by combining scheme assessments.

Through NICEIC, the application fee is £130+VAT, £55+VAT for the MCS license fee and £515+VAT annual registration fee per technology.

• Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
• Solar Thermal
• Heat Pumps – both ground source and air source
• Biomass
• Wind Turbines
• Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

MCS Assessment is one full day but the time taken will depend on the number of technologies you are being assessed in.

Assessment is a chance for you to demonstrate that your work meets the requirements of the scheme. This is spilt into two aspects:

• Office – demonstrate your business meets the criteria of the scheme.
• Site – demonstrate your business meets the technical standards required. 

MCS certifies low-carbon products and installations that produce electricity and heat from renewable sources. 

MCS is a standards organisation, creating and maintaining standards for products, installers and installations.

Lower carbon energy and heating options will continue to increase in popularity as the UK moves towards a net-zero future. 

If you want to generate your own energy, an MCS-certified installer will ensure the products and technology you use are installed and maintained to a high standard.

If your technology is eligible for a government incentive, MCS certification is required to claim this.