What is an MCS Certificate & Why Do You Need One?

Does Your Installer Have MCS Accreditation and Can They Provide You an MCS Certificate?

An MCS Certificate, is provided to customers who have had their renewable energy system installed by an individual or company that holds a full MCS accreditation. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certifies, quality assures and provides consumer protection for microgeneration installations, products and installers.

What is an MCS Accreditation?

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is an industry recognised mark of quality assurance and standardisation within the renewable energy sector. MCS provides a benchmark for quality developed via independent, expert working groups and in close consultation with industry.

To achieve MCS accreditation status, a business must demonstrate its adherence to rigorous MCS standards covering all aspects of its operations achieved via a thorough and detailed review of the business as a whole. From the technical competency and training of all staff, to customer care, quality management and financial regulation.

The MCS accreditation process aims to ensure both the quality and safety of the installation of renewable energy systems. In addition to that of the products installed.

Additionally an MCS accreditation requires annual reassessments to maintain certification. This ensures Installers demonstrate ongoing compliance with MCS standards. It’s worth noting that MCS doesn’t directly certify companies; instead, it authorises certification bodies to handle that process via licence.

MCS Certification: Products

MCS Certification for products establishes quality and performance standards for renewable energy technologies and ensures they meet rigorous safety criteria. Manufacturers of renewable energy products such as solar panels, inverters and storage batteries can apply to have MCS approval for their products.

MCS accredited installers can only use MCS approved products during the installation process if they wish to obtain MCS Certification for the customer post install. This acts as an additional layer of consumer protection assured by the MCS in addition to the accreditation of the installation company. As most customers prefer an MCS Certified installation. Manufacturers strive to achieve MCS approval for their products to ensure widespread use.

Once certified MCS add a product to its approved database. The product will then appear in the MCS online directory. This assures customers, installers, regulators and other consumers that an independent organisation has reviewed the manufacturing of the product and has confirmed compliance with industry recognosied standards.

MCS Certification: Installation Process

If a Renewable Energy company holds an MCS accreditation, it demonstrates independent assessors have thoroughly reviewed its business operations and technical ability. Providing confidence the company is capable of delivering a reliable and efficient system in accordance with a high level of industry recognised standards.

Installers can apply for MCS certification on the installation of small- scale renewable technologies. Both domestically and commercially up to a maximum capacity of:

If an MCS Accredited Installer does not install your renewable energy system, you cannot obtain MCS Certification for it. This prevents you from accessing government export initiatives which can generate income for surplus electricity that you generate and wish to sell back to the Grid.

Technologies Covered by MCS Certification

MCS certification is available across a wide range of small-scale renewable technologies. Providing a mark of quality for products and installation across popular technologies such as:

• Solar Panels
• Battery Storage
• Small Wind Turbines
• Biomass
• Solar Heating
• Ground/Water Source Heat Pump
• Air Source Heat Pump

A Renewable Energy installation company can apply to hold MCS certification across multiple technologies or specialise in just one.

Why is MCS Accreditation Important?

Holding an MCS accreditation provides assurance that the company installing your renewable technologies maintains high industry standards. Furthermore that they have been independently assessed as competent for the installation of their chosen renewable technologies. It also gives you peace of mind to know that experts have designed, installed, and commissioned your renewable energy system in line with recognised industry standards.

For products, it clearly indicates that they meet strict industry standards for efficiency, reliability, and safety. Furthermore, the Government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy supports MCS accreditation.

Once certified, a business is listed on the MCS online Installer Directory. Creating a network of quality checked installers and allowing potential customers to verify their credentials.  As discussed above a record of all MCS Approved Products is also maintained.

You also need an MCS certificate to access key government incentives, such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Which we’ll explore in detail below.

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and why MCS Certificate is needed

People commonly refer to the Smart Export Guarantee as SEG. This government-backed scheme allows households and small businesses to sell their surplus renewable electricity back to the National Grid. It allows households and small businesses (Generators) to earn money for electricity which they generate but do not use and wish to export. Licensed electricity suppliers, known as SEG Licensees, make SEG payments and set their own tariffs and rates. Your SEG Licensee does not have to be your current electricity supplier. With payments made per (kWh) of exported electricity. Without an MCS Certificate you can not apply for SEG payments. This is because the design, installation and commissioning of your renewable energy system can not be verified as adhering to industry standards retrospectively.

Ofgem regulations 1.14 state:

“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.”

Is MCS Accreditation a Legal Requirement?

Although not a legal requirement for installation companies, customers should seek out an MCS accredited installer from a consumer protection perspective. Using an MCS accredited installer provides a layer of protection as independent assessors ensure that their safety, competency, and performance adhere to MCS industry-led standards.

Do I Need To Use an MCS Accredited Installer?

The decision to use an MCS accredited installation company comes down to personal choice. If you wish to keep costs down you may achieve savings by utilising a DIY approach or using an installer that does not have MCS accreditation. However without an MCS certified installation you would be unable to take advantage of SEG and the potential savings this could generate. You need to consider these variables when calculating your Return on Investment (ROI) and monthly savings.

Can I Get an MCS Certificate Retrospectively?

The installer must issue an MCS Certificate when they install the renewable energy technology. An MCS Certificate can not be applied for retrospectively. This is because the process requires verification of the systems design, installation and commissioning at the point in which the work is undertaken. Finally, only an MCS Certified Installer can issue the certificate. 

Conclusion: What is an MCS Certificate & Why Do You Need One?

To summarise the key points:

How Can E-Verve Energy Help?

Team E-Verve are fully MCS Certified to install solar panels and battery storage systems. We have over 10 years experience in the sector and were named Most Trusted Renewable Energy Installers- North West. So your in safe hands!

We can assess your energy requirements and provide free no obligation quotes to maximise your potential savings and return on investment (ROI)

If you want assurance that our team has designed, installed, and commissioned your renewable energy technologies in accordance with MCS industry-led standards, reach out to our experienced installation specialists today.