Core documentation has been published on the MCS website which installers of small-scale renewables are encouraged to read and review, in preparation for the changes coming into effect.
There’s a lot to get to grips with, including new documents on:
- Installer operating requirements
- Customer commitment
- MCS installation standards (eight individual documents)
- Pre-sale information & system performance estimate standards (six individual documents)
Installers are therefore invited to attend a webinar hosted by Installer & Elemental on February 25 at 1pm, with MCS CEO Ian Rippin and Head of Scheme Alex Hughes. They will talk through the documents and speak with installers about how the redeveloped scheme will change the way they work. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions.
Visit the MCS website to find out more and register for the webinar.
The reason for the changes
MCS says the redeveloped scheme is a shift away from paperwork-heavy assessments towards an emphasis on ‘delivered quality’.
MCS CEO Ian Rippin explained more about the reasoning in an REI magazine interview last year.
Describing it as ‘a significant change that will impact installers and consumers alike’, Ian said: “At its core, the redevelopment is designed to raise standards, to ensure that consumers can be confident when investing in renewable technologies such as heat pumps and solar panels.
“To achieve this, it is crucial that MCS has better oversight of the installations that are being delivered under its scheme, and where necessary, has the power to act should they be deemed to not meet standards or to have caused consumer detriment. This is in everyone’s interest, because it will allow good installers to stand out and prevent poor installers from taking advantage.”
As part of the changes, MCS is deploying a standard set of assessment criteria, including the requirement for a named Technical Supervisor to sign off a completed installation. This replaces the Nominated Technical Person requirement.
Membership of a consumer code is no longer mandatory, with MCS to take on a direct complaint-handling role, and a new financial protection standard is being developed to overcome ‘shortcomings’ in Insurance Backed Guarantees.
When the changes take place
The full transition to the redeveloped scheme will take place throughout this year and into 2026, with a rolling transition for those already on the scheme.
On its website, MCS says it will be working closely with Certification Bodies to help support them through the process of updating their accreditation for the redeveloped scheme from the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS).
“The timeline for this will be dependent on UKAS themselves and we can share more on this when we have it. We’ll continue to share updates, guidance, and resources in the coming months to support the industry through this transition,” it states.
“In the meantime, it is important that installers familiarise themselves with the redeveloped Scheme structure and the associated documentation which outlines the requirements.”
Requirements of the existing scheme will remain in place for MCS-certified installers until they are transferred over, and new applicants can also continue to apply to the existing scheme.
“Until MCS and your Certification Body confirm the availability of the redeveloped scheme and the timescales for transition, your business will remain under the current scheme requirements. This means all MCS certified installers must adhere to the existing scheme requirements (including MCS 001-1) until they have been transferred onto the redeveloped scheme.
“You’ll also need to maintain membership of a consumer code and continue to purchase Insurance Backed Guarantees. We expect a rolling transition period which will likely last into 2026, but these timescales are not yet clear. We’ll keep you updated.
“You can still gain MCS certification against the current requirements. If you are not yet MCS certified, but can comply with current scheme requirements and are ready to gain certification, we advise submitting an application to your chosen certification body now.”
Scheme changes sparking debate among installers
We’ve seen and read a lot of debate about the redeveloped scheme on various social media platforms and groups, particularly around some of the design and installation standards.
We’d love to reflect some of that debate here. What do you think of the changes? Please contact linda@renewableenergyinstaller.co.uk.
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