Renewable energy policy database and support: single

Certification Programmes for RES installations (Microgeneration Certification Scheme)

Updated: 05.01.2019

Author: Georgios Maroulis

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is aimed at providing an assessment and an approval that a RES installation complies with established European and International standards, which depend on the technology to be installed. The scheme covers electricity generating technologies with a capacity of up to 50kW as well as heat generating technologies with a capacity of up to 45kW. MCS is linked to Government’s financial support schemes. The following technologies have to be accredited:

Biomass
Heat Pumps (Air Source and Ground Source)
Micro Hydro Turbines
Micro Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Systems
Pitched Roof Mounting Systems
Solar PV
Solar Thermal
Wind Turbines

Both the installed technology and the installation company must be certified under the MCS in order to access financial support under the FiT scheme or the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. As outlined in the Product Certification Scheme Requirements for the different technologies, the MCS certification is a recognized, third-party assessment:

that the RES-installation meets the established standards; and
that the manufacturer has staff, processes and systems in place to ensure that the product delivered meets the standard.

This assessment is based on evidence on the above two points as well as on periodic audits of the manufacturer including testing as appropriate, and on compliance with the contract with the certification body for listing and approval, including agreement to rectify faults as appropriate (Source: Product Certification Scheme Requirements).

Addressees

Competent authority

Further information

Distribution of costs

Industry	The scheme is industry-funded, as confirmed by the MCS helpdesk. Companies / owners of installations that wish to be certified under the scheme will have to sustain related costs. Initially the scheme was funded by BEIS, however by now it has switched to this new funding scheme, as confirmed by the MCS helpdesk.

Industry

The scheme is industry-funded, as confirmed by the MCS helpdesk. Companies / owners of installations that wish to be certified under the scheme will have to sustain related costs. Initially the scheme was funded by BEIS, however by now it has switched to this new funding scheme, as confirmed by the MCS helpdesk.