MCS FAQ

Q. What is MCS?

A. MCS is The Microgeneration Certification Scheme, the Scheme is operated under Licence by a number of providers (Certification Bodies) and is Accredited by UKAS under the European Standard EN45011 for a list of providers go to:- www.microgenerationcertification.org

Q. What is MCS for?

A. MCS is a voluntary Scheme which aims to provide a means for consumers to identify installation businesses who meet exacting standards giving confidence and protecting the market from less scrupulous or less competent installers, being a member also gives the installer access to grant funding for their customers through DECC. However in order for customers to be able to access Feed-in-Tariffs (FIT's) which commenced in April 2010 for electrical generation technologies such as PV and Micro-wind and for the Renewable Heat Incentives (RHI's) for heat generating technologies such as Solar thermal and Heat pumps, which commenced in April 2011 the installed equipment must be approved under the MCS and the installer must be MCS approved.

As these Tariffs are paid for up to 25 years (depending on technology) customers will only use MCS approved installers.

Q. How do I join?

A. Apply to your chosen Certification Body who will explain the process and fees involved.

Q. What will I need to do?

A. You will need to demonstrate to your Certification Body that you are technically competent in your chosen ‘technology' and that you have documented systems and procedures in place (Quality Management System) which cover the requirements of the MCS these requirements can be found here

Q. Can my customers whose installations I use for my approval claim the grant, Fit's or RHI's retrospectively once I am MCS approved?

A. they will be unable to claim any capital grant through EST retrospectively, but provided you download the job through your certification body they will have access to the FIT's and the RHI's.

Q. What is a Quality Management System?

A. A Quality Management System or QMS is a series of documented procedures which provide a framework under which a company operates, it details how things should be done, who is responsible for doing them and when they should be done. They should be reasonably detailed but not onerous and should reflect best practice, current standards and regulations as appropriate

Q. I work for myself do I still need to have a QMS in place?

A. Yes the MCS requires this and though you may be responsible and competent in what you do you must document in reasonable detail how you meet the various clauses of the MCS.

Q. I already have ISO9001 do I need to do anything else?

A. Yes although you will have the framework in place you will need to cover some additional requirements required by the MCS.