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Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)

In 2009 the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) was opened up to industry bodies to operate the scheme under license.  ELECSA was one of the first bodies to be accredited to run MCS for all of the available renewable technologies:

  • Solar Photovoltaics
  • Solar Thermal
  • Heat Pumps (Air Source & Ground Source)
  • Combined Heat & Power (CHP)
  • Wind
  • Biomass
  • Hydro
MCS replaced the Clear Skies programme.  It is owned by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and operated through Gemserv.  The purpose of the scheme is to provide a robust environment that supports both customers and installers.  As it is a developing area of the industry, poor quality installations and workmanship would have quickly undermined consumer confidence and hence damage the UK’s ability to meet its stringent carbon reduction targets.

The criteria for assessment are laid out in standards that are readily accessible from www.microgenerationcertification.org.  Contractors thinking about becoming MCS registered will need to be familiar with MCS001 and then the MIS standards appropriate to the technology(ies) they are applying for.


Need to update your skills?  No problem...

For those contractors looking to upskill and move into this area, the ECA runs a number of courses aimed at different levels of knowledge:

Introduction to Renewables – a non-technical course that provides an overview on the main renewable technologies

Technical Installation Courses – typically 3 day courses that focus on the skills and knowledge required for a specific technology

MCS Made Easy – a one day course that helps contractors prepare for an MCS assessment by working through the requirements for MCS001.

For more information on these courses, please contact the ECA’s Education and Training team on 0845 872 5361 or go to www.eca.co.uk/training

Application & Assessment

Apply to ELECSA via the easy online application form or alternatively, call us on 0333 3218 220 and apply over the phone.

Once we receive your application you will be provided an assessment date that will typically take place about 6 weeks from application.  We will send you a pre-assessment pack with checklists of all the items you will need to have ready on the day and the assessor will also call you prior to the date to run through any questions you may have.

Please refer to the Guide to MCS that explains the assessment process in more detail.
 

The Costs

Applying online is the most cost effective way to become registered with us, it is just £530 + VAT for a single technology.  This includes your registration fee and your full day assessment.

Renewal of your registration is after 12 months and is £530 + VAT.  This is a full day assessment and can cover up to two technologies and Part P (where required).

As the MCS scheme is administered by Gemserv, there are additional annual registration costs due to be paid to them of £115 + VAT.

Job notifications are £1.50 + VAT each when notified online.  Additionally, work needs to be notified to Gemserv in order for your clients to get access to financial incentives at a cost of £15 + VAT per job.

These are the main costs involved in maintaining your registration, the full fee schedule can be found here.