MCS
/ em-see-ess /
Also known as: Microgeneration Certification Scheme, MCS certified, MCS certificate
Definition
MCS (the Microgeneration Certification Scheme) is a UK quality scheme that certifies small-scale low-carbon energy products and the installers who fit them. It covers electricity systems up to 50kW and heat systems up to 45kW, including solar PV, air and ground source heat pumps, biomass boilers and small wind turbines. Products are certified against a product standard and installers against an installation standard, with ongoing audits. MCS certification is not a legal requirement, but funders and schemes use it as their proof of quality.
In practice
In practice MCS matters because other schemes ask for it. For heat pumps and biomass boilers, an MCS-certified installer must apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant on your behalf. For solar PV and small wind up to 50kW, suppliers ask for MCS certification before you can join a Smart Export Guarantee tariff and be paid for exported electricity. Lenders, insurers and warranty providers also often expect it.
Certification is awarded technology by technology, so an installer certified for solar PV is not automatically certified for heat pumps or wind. After commissioning, the installer registers the system and an MCS certificate is issued - keep it with your handover pack, as you will need it for your Smart Export Guarantee application and when you sell the property. Installers must also belong to a consumer code, which gives you a complaints route and deposit protection.
Building Regulations
Small wind turbines are certified against the MCS product standard MCS 006 and installed to the MCS installation standard MIS 3003. Standards are revised periodically, so confirm the current versions with MCS before you commit to a system.
Full guide: MCS certification explainedSee also