Microgeneration Certification Scheme
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) was introduced by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (now part of the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy) to help consumers and companies reduce energy consumption through the use of microgeneration technologies used to produce electricity and heat from renewable sources.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
MCS is also linked to the Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme. MCS provides consumers with a guarantee that the products and installers they select meet the high standards to be eligible to receive a grant or financial incentive.
For plumbing and heating companies to install microgeneration technologies they must become certified MCS installers through a certification body such as APHC.
Plumbing and heating companies will also need to become a member of a Consumer Code, either the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) or The Home Insulation & Energy Systems Contractors Scheme (HIES) to ensure your customers are protected by a Trading Standards Institute Approved Code of Practice.
Plumbing and heating companies can join the scheme provided they meet the scheme requirements as outlined in the scheme documents, available to download below.
Following completion of the initial application form, the assessment process has two parts:
1. Desktop evaluation of the company management system. A pre-check to confirm company readiness for its assessment under the scheme. Information on company procedures will need to be provided via email for us to conduct our online evaluation.
2. On-site assessment of installed work areas. You will be assessed on your competence to install each of the technical work areas you have applied for against the MIS 3001 (for solar heating), MIS 3004 (for woody biomass) and MIS 3005 (for heat pumps) standards. The company will need to show one example of an installation for each work area it wishes to be certified to install.
Once approved, companies will be registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (www.mcscertified.com)* and then have the ability to install and certify a range of permitted microgeneration work areas whilst providing customers access to BUS funding. Members also benefit from access to the range of free and discounted business support services – click here.
*Please note that there is an annual registration fee for this which APHC Certification Ltd. will collect on behalf of the Government MCS License Holder.
Scope of work areas:
• Biomass Boilers
• Ground Source and Air Source Heat Pumps
• Solar Thermal Hot Water Systems
As part of MCS arrangements, installers are required to ensure that Building Regulation requirements are fully complied with so in addition, companies can join the Competent Persons Scheme.
Scheme Documents:
1. Certification schemes application form: You will need to complete, sign and return this to APHC Certification Ltd. with all outlined supporting information. This certification fees document outlines any additional charges associated with accreditation.
2.Guidance for applications: This details the evidence requirements that you will need to provide as part of your application for the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.
3. Certification schemes rules: This outlines the rules of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme which each company must comply with including company operating requirements, processes and procedures.
4. This is a link to the MCS 001 Installer Certification Scheme Requirements which you will need to read, understand and be prepared to operate to when carrying out installation work under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.
5. This is a link to the MIS 3001 Solar Water Heating Standard which you will need to read, understand and carry out installation work on solar water systems to this standard under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.
6. This is a link to the MIS 3004 Biomass Standard which you will need to read, understand and carry out installation work on biomass boilers to this standard under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.
7. This is a link to the MIS 3005 Heat Pumps Standard which you will need to read, understand and carry out installation work on heat pumps to this standard under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.
The full MCS Standards and Tools Library can be found here.
If you’d like to speak directly to the APHC membership team, contact us on : Tel: 0121 711 5030 or request a call back below.
