About Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is an industry-led quality assurance scheme, supported by the Department of Energy and Climate Change. Launched in 2008, it certifies microgeneration products used to produce electricity and heat from renewable sources. It also certifies installation companies to make sure that customers have the products installed safely to a high standard.MCS covers electricity and heat generating technologies with up to 50kW and 45kW capacity. These include biomass, heat pumps, solar and wind turbines.
Products that carry the MCS mark are of good quality and customers should choose them over products that do not. Installers who become MCS certified can offer consumers protection and also install products eligible for the government’s Feed-in Tariff scheme (FITs). The MCS works with the Renewable Energy Consumer Code to make sure that MCS installers are working to the Trading Standards Institute approved Code of Practice. MCS installation companies must sell their products and services without misleading the customer.
Another benefit of MCS is that all the products that an installer uses will have satisfied the European and international standards. Installers are also required to pass rigorous tests to make sure that they are competent. To become an MCS certified installer, the MCS Certification Bodies will accept the appropriate training and qualifications or relevant previous experience.
The MCS provides extensive information to consumers who are looking to buy small-scale generation technology. It offers advice on topics such as planning permissions and the Energy Performance Certificate. It also has a list of MCS members on their website so that consumers can find a certified installer to provide them with microgeneration products.
