MCS Certification for solar - all you need to know

When you’re investing in a brand-new solar power setup, you expect it to be effectively powering your home for years to come. A major part of that is the professional installation of your solar panels, inverters, and battery. This is why it’s important to select an installer who’s been recognised by the MCS, ensuring they’re reliable and accountable.

But what is a MCS certification? And how important is it that you select an MCS-certified installer? We’re here to demystify MCS certifications to help you understand why an MCS-certified installer like Wickes Solar is a must-have when starting your solar journey.

What is a MCS Certification?

MCS stands for Microgeneration Certification Scheme, an industry standards organisation which awards MCS certificates to a variety of organisations within the renewable microgeneration energy sector, including manufacturers and installers. However, an MCS certificate doesn’t just cover solar panels; the microgeneration industry includes any renewable heat or electrical energy generation which are 45 kW and below for heat or 50 kW and below for electricity, as per the Energy Act 2004.

Once accredited by MCS, an individual or organisation must adhere to strict industry standards regarding quality, compliance, and competency. There are over 4,000 MCS-certified installers across the United Kingdom, meaning no matter where you are, you’ll be able to guarantee your solar panels are safely installed.

Why are MCS Certifications Important when selecting a solar installer?

An MCS certification provides customers with peace of mind around every aspect of their solar installation. Prior to the introduction of the MCS in 2008, there were no guarantees when it came to purchasing solar panels or other renewable products. However, the MCS has since brought control to the domestic renewables sector, providing guidance related to all aspects of solar energy systems including:

What does an MCS Certification guarantee for customers?

For consumers, selecting a company, installer, or product which is MCS-certified confirms that certain standards have been adhered to. A solar panel installation is MCS-certified if:

• It has been installed by an MCS-certified installation company

• The products used are MCS-certified and fit for purpose

• Designed and commissioned after 15th July 2009

These factors are important for ensuring that the customer can trust the quality of their product, and the ability of the installer. By selecting an MCS-certified installer, it is guaranteed that:

• The installers can handle the design, installation, commissioning, and handover of solar PV systems.

• The solar company, such as Wickes Solar, can pass on any technical information to the customer before they agree to the installation of their panels.

• All quotes include an accurate performance estimate, drawing of the module layout, and datasheets for the products.

• All current consumer and electrical legislation are acted upon, and the company is knowledgeable about the latest technical changes.

• Installers must ensure the building they work on is safe and complies with local regulations.

• All risk assessments are current and thorough.

• Manufacturer’s instructions are followed to the letter.

• Any solar array is easy to maintain and safe for emergency workers.

• All installation staff are appropriately qualified and overseen by a ‘Nominated Technical Person’ who is separately assessed under strict criteria.

What are MCS-certified products?

MCS-certified products are any domestic renewable systems which comply with certain regulations to guarantee their effectiveness and quality. These include solar panels, inverters, batteries and any other element of your solar energy setup. It also includes other domestic renewable products such as heat pumps and small wind turbines. For products to be considered MCS-certified, they must meet certain requirements:

• Components must be built in compliance with the latest IET Code of Practice for Grid Connected Solar PV Systems

• The solar panels must be on the MCS’s list of approved modules

• All parts of the installation must be fit for purpose

How to get a MCS Certification

The first step in becoming an MCS certified installer is to ensure that the business is aware of the standards which must be met to be accredited by the MCS, as well as having a nominated technical person (NTP) for each piece of technology being installed. They’ll then have to apply to a consumer code and a certification body for accreditation.

What does MCS assess?

As part of an MCS assessment, the certification body will send a representative to come and assess every aspect of a company. They will also need to inspect an installation that has been completed.

As part of these inspections, they will need to look at:

• A copy of the company’s handover pack containing everything about the installation - they will check the numbers add up and everything is accurate

• Contracts - to ensure they are lawful

• A visual assessment of installation work against the requirements of the relevant MIS document and Building Regulations

• The Technical Persons must demonstrate they understand the installation requirements of all the relevant technology

• Quality policy

• Corrective/preventative action procedures

• Product and purchasing procedures and records

• Stock handling and transportation

• Inspection and testing procedure

• Equipment log (Inc. calibration records)

• Complaints and appeals (process and records)

• Certification marks and document control

• Training/competence

• Health and safety

• Internal review (minutes, actions and records)

• Consumer code membership

• Workmanship warranties

How much does an MCS Certification cost?

Becoming MCS certified costs roughly £1000. This price includes consumer code joining fees, certification body payments and the MCS certification itself. This price is likely to change depending on the number of employees in the organisation and the number of renewable products being installed. To maintain this status after the first year, an installer must pay around £800 to renew their certification.

How often should you renew your MCS certification?

While there is no exact expiry date for a MCS certification, most providers recommend that certifications are renewed every year to ensure all installers are aware of any updates to the domestic renewables sector.

Do you need an MCS Certification to install solar panels?

Legally, you don’t need an MCS certification to install solar panels on someone’s property. You also don’t need to choose an MCS-certified installer to fit your solar panels, however the installer also can’t connect it to your home’s electrical system unless they’re a qualified electrician with a level 3 NVQ who can provide a building control certificate.

That’s why selecting a dedicated solar panel installer company, such as Wickes Solar, is often the preference for consumers. Rather than reaching out to multiple contractors and installers for every aspect of your solar installation, Wickes Solar handle every part of your setup with their dedicated team.

What other qualifications do you need to install solar panels?

To add a circuit to their own or another's house legally, they need either a JIB Gold Card and AM2 assessment or, at the very least, a Level 3 Building Regulations for Electrical Installations in Dwellings qualification, as well as an MCS certification and a level 3 NVQ. They should also have a BPEC, C&G, LCL or EAL Level 3 in Solar PV.

Most importantly, the installation team may have to use scaffolding to access the roof, so the roofer should be a qualified roofer. It’s also essential the electrical installations are done by a qualified electrician, and everything is signed off by an MCS registered fitter.

Additional certifications to keep an eye out for when selecting a solar installer include:

• HIES Registered: The leading consumer protection organisation covering the installation of home energy products. HIES promises to ensure all consumers are respected, protected and educated on their home improvement journey.

• EPVS Affiliated: These aim to protect consumers from receiving incorrect performance estimates, running costs, and where applicable, incentive income or grants by auditing the paperwork to ensure it meets their certification standard.

• Level 3, or similar, Apprenticeship as a Low Carbon Heating Technician.

• Level 3 Technical Certificate and the National Electrotechnical Training (NET) AM2 certificate.

Can I install solar panels myself?

It’s not recommended that you install your own solar panels. Unless you’re a qualified electrician, you risk causing serious harm to yourself, as well as potentially damaging your solar panels, or your home. Not to mention, you will not be able to connect the system to the grid unless you have the relevant qualification.

Instead of attempting to fit your solar panels yourself, it’s always best to speak with Wickes Solar to find the perfect solar solution for you. Let our expert team take care of every aspect of your solar installation, from flexible finance options to professional installation and aftercare. Get a free solar panel quote from Wickes Solar today and start your renewable energy journey.