What Is an MCS Certified Installer?
If you're investing in solar panels, heat pumps, or battery storage, choosing an MCS certified installer is one of the most important decisions you'll make.
MCS certification is the UK's recognised quality mark for small scale renewables. It ensures installations meet strict industry standards for safety, performance, and consumer protection.
What Is MCS?
MCS stands for the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.
It is the UK's quality mark for renewable energy technologies including:
- Solar PV
- Air source heat pumps
- Solar heating
- Small wind turbines
- Electrical energy storage systems
The scheme sets recognised industry standards to improve quality, ensure compliance with building regulations, and protect customers.
Why Does MCS Certification Matter?
Choosing an MCS certified installer gives you:
- High quality installations
- Quality assurance
- Consumer protection
- Access to government funding and financial support
- Compliance with recognised industry standards
Without MCS certified installations, you may not qualify for government incentives.
Do You Need an MCS Certified Installer for Government Incentives?
Yes.
If you want access to schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, your system must be installed by an MCS accredited installer.
This applies to:
- Air source heat pumps
- Solar PV
- Other low carbon technologies
Government schemes require proof of MCS accreditation and a valid certification number before releasing funding.
What Is the MCS Mark?
The MCS mark is the UK's quality mark for renewable energy systems.
It shows that:
- The installer meets MCS requirements
- Products used are MCS certified products
- The installation company follows a quality management system
- Work complies with scheme requirements
You can check certified professionals via the MCS installations database on the official MCS website.
What Does an MCS Certified Installer Actually Do?
An MCS certified installer must:
- Complete MCS approved training
- Demonstrate competency requirements
- Appoint a nominated technical person
- Follow strict quality workmanship standards
- Maintain a documented quality management system
- Self certify installations in line with building regulations
They must also be registered with a consumer code, often the Renewable Energy Consumer Code, which is overseen by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute.
This ensures additional consumer protection.
What Products Must Be MCS Certified?
Installers can only use MCS certified products for systems claiming accreditation.
This includes:
- Solar panels on roof
- Air source heat pumps
- Battery storage
- Electrical energy storage systems
- Solar heating equipment
Using approved renewable energy products ensures systems meet performance benchmarks and reduce environmental impact.
How Can Installers Gain MCS Certification?
To gain MCS certification, installers must:
- Complete an MCS approved training course
- Meet competency requirements
- Implement a quality management system
- Pass assessment by a certification body
- Maintain ongoing compliance with current MCS scheme standards
MCS accreditation requires ongoing audits to ensure improving quality across the solar industry and wider renewable technologies sector.
How Does MCS Support Installers?
The MCS scheme helps support installers by:
- Creating business opportunities
- Increasing trust with new customers
- Demonstrating competency
- Aligning with recognised industry standards
- Supporting growth in low carbon energy
Being MCS accredited positions installation companies as trusted professionals in the renewable energy market.
How Does MCS Protect Consumers?
Consumer protection is central to the MCS scheme.
It ensures:
- Proper installation
- High quality installations
- Clear documentation and MCS certificates
- Compliance with building regulations
- Eligibility for government incentives
- Access to further guidance if issues arise
Customers can search the MCS database to verify an installer's certification number and accreditation status.
Is MCS Certification Worth It?
For homeowners, the answer is yes.
Choosing an MCS certified installer means:
- Safer installation
- Access to financial support
- Higher system performance
- Better long term reliability
- Reduced environmental impact
For installers, MCS accreditation increases credibility and unlocks access to government schemes and renewable energy systems markets.
How Do You Find an MCS Certified Installer?
Start by:
- Checking the MCS website database
- Confirming their certification number
- Ensuring they are MCS approved
- Asking about their quality management system
- Reviewing their experience with renewable energy technologies
If you're considering solar PV, air source heat pumps, or battery storage, always ensure your installer meets MCS standards.
Visit www.crgdirect.co.uk to learn more about certified installation options and see how renewable energy can power your home efficiently and responsibly.
