MCS Installer Standards
MCS gives recognition of good quality microgeneration products and services in the market place, and provides consumers with confidence and assurance when purchasing and installing these technologies. It also provides consumers with realistic expectations of the performance of microgeneration systems in practice. As such, in a rapidly growing industry, installers and products that carry the mark are likely to be seen as the preferred supplier in the market place. In addition, the MCS is linked to a number of other initiatives:
* When accessing the Low Carbon Buildings Programme grant scheme the applicant must use an MCS Certified Product (or Solar Keymark for solar thermal installations)and an MCS Certified Installer.
* Under the Town and Country Planning Act, permitted development rights are provided for the installation of solar photovoltaics (PV), solar thermal, ground and water source heat pumps, biomass heating and combined heat and power systems. No application for planning permission is required when installing these technologies in certain circumstances.
* The Code for Sustainable Homes is a mandatory requirement for all new build homes to meet sustainability ratings, including ratings for energy and CO2 emissions. MCS certified technologies can be used to meet the requirements of this Code.
* The Standard Assessment Procedure for Energy Rating of Dwellings (SAP 2005) recognises MCS certified products when determining whether products are eligible for inclusion in SAP assessments.
* This list will expand in the future as microgeneration plays an increasingly important role in meeting UK targets for renewable energy and carbon emission reductions.
All products and installers certified under the MCS are able to use the MCS mark in their advertising and promotions, their details will be listed on the MCS website for consumers to view, as well as on the Low Carbon Building Programme website.
The scope of this Scheme is the supply, design, installation, set to work, commissioning and handover of the microgeneration technologies.
An assessment is undertaken at the contractor's office(s) and at least one installation site to ensure that policies and procedures meet the requirements of the Scheme and that the work that has been undertaken is consistent with the system design.
This Scheme is open to companies involved in the supply, design, installation, set to work and commissioning of microgeneration systems and technologies.
Consumer protection
All applicants wishing to become an MCS certified installer will have to demonstrate that they have signed up to a Code of Practice that meets the guidelines set by the Office of Fair Trading's (OFT's) Consumer Code Approval Scheme.
The purpose of this is to ensure that contractors offer consumers protection, including complaints handling and a comprehensive performance prediction for products to prevent mis-selling.
The REAL Assurance Scheme (Renewable Energy Assurance Limited) is in the process of completing stage 1 of the OFTs Consumer Codes Scheme and is the code that DECC has accepted for this Scheme. Further details can be found at http://www.realassurance.org.uk/
Other schemes will be accepted if they are OFT approved or are in the process of receiving this approval, subject to further review.
MCS Certified Installer MarkInstallers who have a current valid certificate from us may use the following mark on their advertisements and literature to show that they are part of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme:
