The Microgeneration Certification Scheme

Benefits & MCS Certification Process

Overview

The UK is committed to delivering its share of the EU target for 20% of energy from renewable sources by 2020.

50% of all our energy is used for heating and hot water and 75% of domestic households’ energy consumption is for heating and hot water. The UK’s renewable energy strategy aims for 12% of heat to come from renewable sources. Currently under 5% of UK electricity comes from renewable sources. It is estimated that 30% of our electricity may be delivered from renewables with 2% from small-scale electricity generation.

How does the MCS affect installers?

The MCS is an internationally recognised quality assurance scheme which demonstrates to customers that the company is committed to meeting rigorous and tested standards. It was designed with input from installer and product representatives. Similar to the Gas Safe Register, the MCS gives you a mark of competency and demonstrates to customers that you can install to the highest quality every time.

Installer certification entails assessing the supply, design, installation, set-to-work and commissioning of renewable microgeneration technologies.

How does the MCS affect Manufacturers and Suppliers?

The MCS is an internationally recognised quality assurance scheme which demonstrates the quality and reliability of approved products by satisfying rigorous and tested standards. It was designed with input from product and installer representatives.

Products certification involves type testing of products and an assessment of the manufacturing processes, materials, procedures and staff training.

Scheme Benefits

The MCS demonstrates quality and competence to customers. In this rapidly growing industry, installers and products that carry the MCS Mark are likely to be seen as the preferred option in the market place. This is because MCS is linked to many of the key factors driving demand, such as:

The Renewable Heat Incentive is planned for 2011 and will provide cash back to individuals, business and communities for renewable heat generation. The Government has indicated that the Renewable Heat Incentive is being linked to MCS products and installers.

The Code for Sustainable Homes, which is a mandatory requirement for all newly built homes to meet sustainability ratings, including ratings for energy and CO2 emissions. MCS certificated technologies can be used to meet the requirements of this code.

Planning Permission for consumers for certain renewable energy technologies has now been made a lot simpler thanks to permitted development rights introduced in England and Scotland.

The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for Energy Rating of Dwellings recognises MCS certificated products when determining whether products are eligible for inclusion in SAP assessments.

For more information please see: www.microgenerationcertification.org