Microgeneration Certification Scheme
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The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) (initially named "The UK Microgeneration Certification Scheme") is the first product and installer certification scheme to cover all the microgeneration technologies. The Scheme mark is currently owned by the UK’s Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. The industry-led MCS Steering Group evaluates microgeneration products and installers against strict criteria using European and ISO technical standards for micro wind turbines, heat pumps including ground and air source heat pumps, photovoltaics, micro hydro, inverters, biomass, fuel cells, CHP and solar thermal.
It is thought that setting robust installation and product standards will help to build up a UK microgeneration market from its current low base, by improving public perceptions of these unfamiliar technologies. The Scheme's overall aim is to contribute to creating a safe, reliable and low carbon energy source to meet challenging EU 2020 targets on renewables. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme is designed to raise standards, protect consumers and to offer information through the certification "mark".
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme underpins the Low Carbon Buildings Programme which offers UK government grants for installation of microgeneration. Grants are only offered to UK householders and other qualifying applicants who use MCS certified products (or those with a mark accepted as "equivalent") and MCS installers. Other initiatives, for example a proposed stamp duty land tax relief for new zero carbon homes, the Carbon Emission Reduction Target and general permitted development orders (for some technologies) are also being linked to MCS. Other initiative may be linked to MCS in the future.
The Scheme's approach is to assess installer company procedures and skills, as well as to inspect microgeneration installations. In February 2008, the combined MCS for both installers and products started operating. By April, over 400 installers had registered, 130 had been assessed and 30 MCS certificates had been issued. MCS installers must sign up to a Code of Practice which meets guidelines set by the UK's Office of Fair Trading's (OFT's) Consumer Code Approval Scheme. The REAL Assurance Scheme completed Stage 1 of the OFTs consumer codes scheme. The aims of the scheme are to ensure that installers offer consumer protection, including complaints handling and a comprehensive performance prediction, to prevent mis-selling. Certificated microgeneration installers advertise their services using the MCS "logo".
The MCS Steering Group is still finalising MCS standards for roof-integrated solar PV and solar heating collectors, inverters, biomass, hydro turbines, cogeneration (combined heat and power), and fuel cell products.
Developers and administrators of the Scheme are located at the former Building Research Establishment.
