The Microgeneration Certification Scheme or MCS is often described as the renewables equivalent of Gas Safe. Although MCS is currently not a pre-requisite for installing a renewables system, it is an absolutely necessity if a customer wants to claim an income from the heat produced by the system under the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

Technologies covered by the MCS include solar thermal panels, air source and ground source heat pumps.

The MCS is quality assurance for renewables and both the product and the installer must be approved. Like Gas Safe, it is designed to assure your customers that you have high standards of installation and a thorough understanding of the products. The scheme was put together with participation from both installers and product representatives, so has a practical application.

MCS Accreditation

Achieving MCS accreditation requires training to a recognised qualification (Logic, EAL, BPEC or NICEIC) in each technology you wish to install. Exact requirements need to be checked as qualifications including Unvented Hot Water G3 and Water Regulations 1999 are required in addition to technology-specific qualifications. Certification is given after all elements of a renewable technology installation have been assessed.

When trying to gain certification directly installers you may run into difficulty because of the sheer amount of paperwork and technical information required for each project, as this can be time-consuming and difficult to achieve. Even very experienced installers have been known to back out half way through the process. However, for any installer with a view to the long-term, the ability to install this equipment under the MCS banner will be a positive move.

Gain without pain

There is support available to navigate the MCS requirements including Nu-Heat’s MCS Support Network. This takes the responsibility for providing the required technical and installation information away from the installer, thereby reducing the work involved for an installer to meet MCS requirements. Nu-Heat’s scheme also includes a marketing package to help make use of the achieved status.

Nu-Heat firmly supports MCS accreditation, viewing it as a positive direction for the renewables industry, allowing installers to make the most of the increasing opportunities of this growing market and purchasers of renewables systems the peace of mind that it has been installed to a high standard.

The Nu-Heat MCS Support Network

The grants and incentives available to householders for renewable energies may be substantial. The only way to unlock access to these grants and financial incentives is for both the product and the installer to be approved under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).

All relevant Nu-Heat heat pumps and solar thermal panels are MCS approved.

To enable installers to fit environmental technologies as part of our MCS Support Network, Nu-Heat has worked with our certification body NICEIC to establish a network of suitably qualified installers under the Nu-Heat MCS/CPS registration. Successful application to our MCS Support Network will allow companies registered with Nu-Heat to notify work through the Nu-Heat registration*

By taking responsibility for providing the correct technical and installation information, the Nu-Heat MCS Support Network considerably reduces the work and cost involved for an installer to meet MCS requirements.

The Nu-Heat MCS Support Network is open to both small and large plumbing and heating companies.

For more information contact the Sales Team or your Account Manager on 0800 731 1976 or 01404 549770.

*NB. Only work conducted on behalf of Nu-Heat can be notified through this scheme, please see our terms and conditions.