The Redeveloped MCS Installer 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.

To become MCS certified, an installer company will need to demonstrate to an accredited certification body and MCS that your business and working practices meet the requirements set by MCS.

In 2023, MCS initiated a public consultation to gather insights and feedback from stakeholders across the plumbing and heating industry. This engagement involved installers, manufacturers, consumers, certification bodies and industry associations. The goal was to assess how the current scheme was functioning, understand pain points and explore opportunities for improvement. Following this review, a redeveloped installer scheme was introduced.

The updated framework has been designed to place greater emphasis on installation quality and consumer protection, while reducing unnecessary administrative burden for installers.

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.

APHC offers MCS certification for key technologies including heat pumps (air and ground source), Biomass Boilers and Solar Thermal Hot Water Systems. We are now in the final stages of achieving accreditation for the redeveloped installer scheme under UKAS.

For existing MCS Approved Installers: Once this accreditation is secured, we will begin contacting all existing MCS members to guide them through the transition process in a phased approach and will work closely with all companies to ensure this is smooth. The full transition across the industry is expected to continue through to 2027, and installers are required to continue operating under current scheme rules until formally moved across.

For new applicants: MCS have now launched their “Redeveloped Installer Scheme” so all new MCS applications will automatically be assessed under the new scheme. Once approved, we will contact each business that has a current application in progress to transition you across to the new scheme.

What’s changed under the new Scheme?

The redeveloped MCS scheme introduces a more practical, installer-friendly approach while maintaining high standards and is designed to benefit the installer as well as the consumer.

A more proportionate approach

One of the key drivers behind the redevelopment was the need to strike a better balance between compliance and practicality. Under the previous scheme, many installers felt that administrative requirements could be disproportionate, particularly for smaller businesses.

The new approach addresses this by shifting the focus toward outcomes, specifically, the quality of installations and the experience of the end customer. Installers who consistently demonstrate good performance, strong compliance and high levels of customer satisfaction will benefit from a lighter-touch approach to oversight.

At the same time, the scheme has been strengthened to ensure that poor practices are identified and addressed more effectively. This creates a more level playing field across the industry, where high standards are recognised and rewarded.

A closer relationship with MCS

Under the redeveloped scheme, installers will enter into a formal Installer Agreement with MCS. This agreement sets out the expectations on both sides, clearly defining responsibilities around quality, compliance and professionalism. It also confirms the installer’s status as an authorised participant in the scheme.

In addition, installers will have access to a dedicated MCS account manager, providing a clearer line of communication and support. While certification bodies will continue to carry out assessments and manage certification processes, MCS is now more directly involved in overseeing and supporting the installer community.

This more connected structure is intended to improve consistency across the scheme and ensure installers receive clearer guidance and support.

Consumer Code membership no longer mandatory

Historically, MCS certification required installers to also hold membership with a Consumer Code. Under the new scheme, this will no longer be a mandatory requirement. While businesses may still opt into a Consumer Code for the additional services and protections it offers, participation is now a choice, not an obligation.

A new risk-based assessment model

A major structural change within the redeveloped scheme is the move to a risk-based approach to assessments.

Previously, installers were typically assessed on a fixed annual cycle. Under the new model, the frequency and intensity of assessments will vary depending on the level of risk associated with each business.

This risk profile is determined using a range of factors, including:

• The size and complexity of the business
• The number of installations carried out
• The length of time the installer has been certified
• Findings from previous assessments
• Any complaints or compliance issues

For well-established businesses with a strong track record, this may mean fewer site visits and a more streamlined assessment process. Conversely, businesses with more complex operations or a history of non-compliance may be subject to more frequent and detailed assessments.

To support the risk-based model, the scheme introduces four defined business operating scenarios. These scenarios recognise that not all installers operate in the same way, and that requirements should be proportionate to the size and complexity of the business.

The scenarios range from sole traders working locally without subcontractors, through to large organisations operating across multiple regions with complex delivery models.

Each scenario outlines the level of processes and controls expected within the business. For example, a sole trader may only need relatively simple systems to demonstrate compliance, whereas a larger company with multiple teams and subcontractors will be expected to have more robust procedures in place.

To provide greater consistency across certification bodies and among individual assessors, MCS has introduced Conformity Assessment Guidelines based on the technology being installed, each technology will have clearly defined assessment criteria.

Clearer, simpler standards

While the core technical requirements for installations remain unchanged, the way these requirements are presented has been significantly improved. The redeveloped scheme separates different types of information into clearly defined documents.

Key documents include:

• Installer Operating Requirements: set out how certification is achieved and maintained
• Customer Commitment: focuses specifically on consumer-facing responsibilities.
• MCS Installation Standards: technical guidance (streamlined for clarity)
• Pre-Sale Information & Performance Standards: how to present system performance and key information to customers before installation.

By separating these areas, the scheme removes ambiguity and helps you focus on what matters at each stage of a project.

Defined roles within the Business

The redeveloped scheme also introduces clearer definitions for key roles within an installer business.

The Technical Supervisor is responsible for ensuring that installations meet the required technical standards and for overseeing quality.

The Main Contact acts as the primary point of communication with MCS and the certification body

The Licensee is the individual authorised to enter into the Installer Agreement.

These roles help ensure accountability within the business, while still allowing flexibility, particularly for smaller companies where one individual may take on multiple responsibilities.

Practical changes to day-to-day processes

Alongside the structural changes, there are several practical updates that will affect how installers manage their work.

One notable change is the extension of the certificate submission window from 14 days to 30 days, bringing it into alignment with other regulatory processes such as Building Control.

Strengthening consumer protection

Consumer protection sits at the heart of the redeveloped scheme.

A new Customer Commitment document sets out the standards of behaviour expected from installers. This must be provided to customers at the earliest point of engagement and before any contract is agreed. It outlines key principles such as transparency, fairness, and compliance with consumer protection laws.

In addition, installers are now required to put in place an approved financial protection product for each relevant installation. This provides reassurance to customers that their investment is protected in certain circumstances.

The way complaints are handled has also been significantly improved. MCS will now operate a centralised complaints management system, acting as a single point of contact for consumers wishing to escalate issues regarding MCS-certified installations.

This ensures a more consistent and transparent approach to resolving issues. Where necessary, cases can be escalated to an independent Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) provider, ensuring a fair outcome for all parties.

How APHC supports you

At APHC, we understand that becoming MCS certified, or transitioning to a new scheme, can feel complex. Ultimately, we will be managing your transition, so we encourage you to keep communication open with us so we can keep you informed. Our goal is to make certification as straightforward as possible, while helping you build a business that meets the highest standards.

The Certification process: We’ve designed our process to be clear and supportive from start to finish.

1. Initial Enquiry: Speak to our team to understand the requirements and how the scheme applies to your business.
2. Familiarise yourself with the technical standards: All of these documents can be accessed via the MCS website: Standards & Tools Library – MCS
3. Identify MCS roles within your business: Make sure you have the right people in place in your business to take responsibility for different aspects of the redeveloped MCS. One individual can hold multiple MCS roles if required.
4. Assess your business size and complexity: Appendix A of the Installer Operating Requirements outlines four different business scenarios. You will need to identify which scenario most accurately matches your business and update your processes and controls to ensure you can meet the requirements.
5. Understand the changes associated with your installation administration: For domestic installations, you will also need to ensure you purchase an approved financial protection product for every installation you deliver.
6. Application
   Complete our application form, which acts as a practical checklist to ensure your systems and processes are in place.
7. Assessment
   Once ready, we will carry out an assessment of your business and inspect at least one installation to verify compliance.
8. Certification
   After successful assessment, you will achieve MCS certification and be able to offer compliant installations.
9. Ongoing Support
   We continue to support you with guidance, updates, and future assessments.

Start your MCS journey today

With demand for renewable technologies increasing, there has never been a better time to become MCS certified. Whether you are new to MCS or preparing to transition to the redeveloped scheme, APHC is here to help you every step of the way.

MCS Guide to Transitioning: Redeveloped Installer Scheme – Moving over guide for MCS Installers