What is MCS? & what are the requirements.

Understanding MCS Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is a quality assurance scheme that certifies both products and installers of renewable energy technologies. Achieving MCS certification is crucial for businesses in the renewable energy sector, as it demonstrates adherence to industry standards and provides customers with confidence in the quality of installations. Here’s a detailed look at the requirements and process for becoming MCS certified.

  1. Familiarise Yourself with the Standards

To become MCS certified, the installers must understand the relevant standards.  The MCS 001 standard outlines the general requirements, while specific technical standards apply to all technologies such as solar PV, heat pumps, and biomass. Familiarising themselves with these standards is essential to ensure compliance.  All equipment that is installed under MCS has to have MCS certification.

  1. Demonstrate Competency

The company must demonstrate that it employs skilled, competent, and experienced individuals. This involves identifying a Nominated Technical Person (NTP) for each technology they wish to install. The NTP should have completed an MCS-approved training course relevant to the technology.  This ensures that the installation team has the necessary expertise to meet MCS standards.

  1. Commit to Quality

A key aspect of MCS certification is demonstrating a commitment to quality. This involves implementing a Quality Management System (QMS) that is proportionate to the size of the business.  The QMS should provide evidence on how the business manages the quality of all installations. It’s important to note that a QMS doesn’t have to be overly complex; it just needs to be effective and fit for purpose.

  1. Commitment to Customer Care

Joining a Consumer Code approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) is another requirement. This demonstrates the company’s commitment to customer care, and ensures that they adhere to high standards of customer protection. There are two main Consumer Codes related to MCS: the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) and the Home Insulation & Energy Systems Contractors Scheme (HIES).  Either one is acceptable under the MCS scheme.

  1. Certification Bodies

To become MCS certified, the company needs to apply through an accredited Certification Body. These bodies are responsible for assessing their compliance with MCS standards.  The operate within the ISO/IEC17065 accreditation framework, ensuring that assessments are conducted impartially and to a high standard. Once certified, the Certification Body will be the main point of contact for any technical queries and updates.

Benefits of MCS Certification

  • Market Recognition: Being MCS certified sets the company apart as a trusted installer, giving them a competitive edge in the market.
  • Customer Confidence: Certification provides assurance to customers that they are receiving high-quality installations.
  • Access to Incentives: Many government incentives and grants for renewable energy installations require MCS certification.

Conclusion

Achieving MCS certification is a significant step for any business in the renewable energy sector. It not only demonstrates their commitment to quality and customer care but also opens up new opportunities for growth and market recognition. By following the outlined steps and maintaining high standards, you can ensure that your business meets the requirements and benefits from the advantages of being MCS certified.

MCS is not just a certificate that the company will give you, it is a set of high standards they must adhere to on all aspects of the job, on all stages from quotation to installation and aftercare including warranties given.

To check if a company is on the MCS register just look on their website;

Find a Contractor – MCS (mcscertified.com)

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