The UK’s quality mark for small-scale renewable energy technologies.
MCS stands for the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. It sets standards for renewable energy products and installation businesses, helping people have confidence in the technology they choose for their homes and buildings. For installers, MCS certification means demonstrating that your business and installations meet the applicable scheme and technical requirements.
MCS covers a range of technologies that generate renewable electricity and heat, alongside battery storage.
These include:
Each technology has its own standards and certification requirements. An installer’s certification covers the specific technologies within its approved scope.
MCS has two distinct parts: certification of products and certification of installation businesses.
Products are assessed against the relevant MCS product standards. The MCS product directory helps installers identify certified equipment for their projects.
Installation businesses are assessed against the applicable MCS requirements. This includes technical competence, business processes and evidence of how installations are designed, installed, commissioned and handed over.
Using a certified product is one part of the process. The system must also be suitable for the property and correctly designed and installed.
MCS maintains the scheme requirements and technical standards, working with industry to define and improve quality.
The United Kingdom Accreditation Service assesses certification bodies against the relevant accreditation requirements, providing oversight of their competence and impartiality.
Independent certification bodies assess products and installers against the relevant requirements. Installer assessments review business records and completed installation work.
Certified installers are responsible for meeting the requirements that apply to their work, maintaining their records and providing the required customer information and installation documents.
The redeveloped scheme places greater emphasis on the quality of installations, clear installer responsibilities and customer protection.
Key elements include:
Consumer code membership is optional under the redeveloped scheme. Installers may still choose to join a code for its additional services and benefits.
Businesses that have not yet transitioned must continue to meet the requirements of their existing scheme until their transition is complete.
The Installer Agreement is the direct contract between MCS and an installation business operating under the redeveloped scheme.
It sets out the business’s responsibilities and the conditions for operating as an MCS certified installer. It is separate from the installation contract agreed with the customer.
MCS’s Customer Commitment sets out the responsibilities installers have towards their customers.
Installers must provide it before the customer enters into an installation contract. It helps customers understand what to expect from their installer and the protections available under the scheme.
An MCS approved Financial Protection Product is mandatory under the redeveloped scheme and must be arranged for each customer installation.
It provides protection for qualifying issues with the design or installation where the original installer cannot or will not put things right, subject to the product’s terms.
Installers choose an approved provider and arrange the required cover as part of their customer process.
Certification can help customers access eligible financial support and give your business a recognised way to demonstrate the standards behind its work.
Explore these benefits, including funding schemes and opportunities for specified work, on our dedicated page.
Why get MCS certified?
If you are considering certification, we can help you understand what applies to your business and how to prepare.
