An MCS certification ensures that your solar panels and their commercial, industrial, or residential installation are installed to the highest standard.
Choosing an MCS-accredited installer is essential in ensuring reliability, the highest quality installation of solar products, and eligibility for government incentives.
What is the MCS?
The MCS is a nationally recognised UKAS-accredited standards organisation certifying low-carbon energy products, installers, and installations. Formed in 2007, the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), which now operates as simply MCS, is an independent organisation committed to effective compliance and enforcement of low-carbon products and installations.
What is MCS Certification?
MCS Certification refers to the accreditation process overseen by the MCS. It is designed to certify the products and the installers involved in producing and implementing solar panel systems. The scheme ensures both the equipment and the installation comply with specific quality and performance standards.
Achieving MCS Certification means installers have undergone training to meet these standards. This involves examining the manufacturing process, product performance, and installers’ competence to ensure their capability to deliver high-quality and reliable installations.
This certification is essential because it ensures solar panel systems are safe, effective and installed to the highest professional standard.
At Akehurst, we are a team of trusted MCS-accredited solar panel installers. Learn more about our solar panel installation service and see how we can help you maximise your energy efficiency.
Who can receive MCS Certification?
To obtain an MCS Certification, solar panel installations must meet all three of the following requirements:
- Be commissioned after 15th July 2009.
- Use MCS Certified Solar products.
- Be commissioned by an MCS-certified installation company.
MCS-certified installers must issue an MCS certificate directly to customers within ten days of the system being commissioned.
MCS-certified installers must issue an MCS certificate directly to customers within ten days of the system being commissioned.
What are the benefits of using an MCS Certified Installer for Solar Panels?
According to the UK Government National Statistics on Energy Trends (March 2024): “The UKs electricity generation has diversified over the past 100 years….solar has grown significantly predominantly in England to become the technology with the 3rd largest capacity after wind and gas“.
With increased energy costs and a global push towards renewable energy, the demand for solar panels is rising.
Using an MCS-certified installer ensures efficiency, regulatory compliance, and access to financial incentives.
Quality of Installation
Choosing an MCS-accredited installer for your solar panel system guarantees quality and efficiency. This accreditation confirms that the solar products and the installation process meet the highest industry standards. Installers are required to use MCA-certified solar panels and components which comply with the latest IET code of practice for grid connection.
To prevent common issues like shading, which can decrease the effectiveness of your system and cause damage over time, our MCS-accredited team at Akehurst carry out thorough site evaluations and calculations to ensure your solar panels are correctly installed for maximum solar efficiency and longevity.
Safety and Compliance
An MCS certification guarantees that an installer operates with the utmost adherence to safety and industry compliance. Installers follow a strict Consumer Code of Conduct. They are vetted by the Trading Standards Institute (TS), ensuring every aspect of the installation process upholds the highest standards and is compliant with regulations.
Expertise and Professionalism
MCS accreditation reflects a proven track record of customer service, supply, design and installation expertise. Installers possess a comprehensive knowledge of the products and practices. To achieve accreditation, they must pass a series of thorough assessments and continually demonstrate their competencies through ongoing training.
Being MCS accredited signifies professionalism across all operations. For more information about the high standard of professionalism required by MCS-accredited businesses, you can read the MCS 025 Competency Standard.
Consumer Protection
Choosing an MCS-accredited installer offers enhanced consumer protection. MCS-accredited businesses must follow the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC), which requires installers to protect deposit payments and workmanship warranties. MCS installers must also adhere to stringent consumer laws, offering greater contractual transparency and reassurance.
Warranty and Support
MCS-certified installers must provide customers with additional warranty and support throughout their solar panel installation, including Insurance Backed Guarantees and manufacturer warranties for all supplied solar equipment.
Most MCS members offer a 2-year warranty for parts and labour from the installation date.
Government Incentives
Launched in January 2020, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government-backed initiative that enables electricity suppliers to pay small-scale renewable generators for electricity that they export back to the national grid. Payments for unused electricity generated by your solar panel installation are managed through your electricity provider and can provide a significant financial benefit. In 2023, Ofgem stated that over £7.2 billion was paid to producers through the Smart Export Guarantee.
To be eligible for the SEG scheme, your renewable energy installation needs to be MCS certified. To qualify, your energy supplier may request to see a valid MCS certificate from your solar panel installation.
Is MCS Certification required for Solar Panel Installation?
An MCS certificate is not legally required for installing solar panels but is strongly recommended. Ensuring your solar panel installation has been accredited with an MCS certificate provides peace of mind that your system meets the high MCS standards in terms of the installation process and the hardware itself.
Why choose Akehurst as your Solar Panel Installer?
At Akehurst, we are proud to be MCS-accredited. Our large team of certified installers has extensive experience and training, specialising in installing solar panels that meet the highest standards recognised by MCS.
Alongside the installation, we provide ongoing maintenance to guarantee the effectiveness of your solar panel system long term.
Contact us today for a quote or to learn more about our services.
