This web page provides information about the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS):

• Why Use MCS Certified Products And Services?
• What Is The Microgeneration Certification Scheme?
• Why was the MCS set up?
• What Does The MCS Do?

Why Use MCS Certified Products And Services?

Individuals and companies can only claim ‘Feed In Tariff’ (FITs) if an MCS approved installer installs MCS approved products.

FITs are the payments made to people to encourage the installation of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. FITs payments average about £1000 per year.

MCS approved products and services have passed an inspection and are of a high standard. The MCS is a ‘quality mark’ for products and services.

What Is The Microgeneration Certification Scheme?

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is an independent quality assurance scheme, set up by the UK Government, to certify microgeneration products and services.

Gemserv Limited currently (February 2011) run the scheme for the UK Government.

The scheme is an ‘industry led’ quality scheme for microgeneration products and services.

Microgeneration means technologies that produce electricity, heat or a combination of electricity and heat.

Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels produce electricity – PV solar panels fall within the MCS scheme.

Why Was The MCS Set Up?

The MCS was set up to improve the image of microgeneration technologies.

The UK Government is promoting microgeneration to reduce carbon generation; individuals and industries are more likely to use microgeneration technologies if they have a ‘good image’.

What Does The MCS Do?

MCS:

• Inspects and certifies microgeneration products.
  • A product is only ‘certificated’ if it meets the MCS quality standards.
• Inspects and certifies companies that provide microgeneration services, for instance solar panel installers.
  • PV solar panel installers have to meet various requirements to ensure that they are a safe, reliable and competent company.
• Author’s various guideline and regulation documents, for instance:
  • PV solar panel Installation requirements – certified installers have to pass an initial inspection then are re-inspected every year.
  • PV solar panel quality guidelines – guidelines that manufacturers must meet to have the PV solar panel certified.