string(84) "https://mcscertified.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/InstallerCentrted-1-1920x400.jpg"
Installers & Manufacturers
Demonstrating quality
MCS certification is a mark of quality and demonstrates compliance to industry standards. It is supported by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. MCS certification demonstrates the quality of products and competence of installers in the renewable technology sector.
TYPES OF LOW CARBON TECH COVERED BY MCS
MCS certification covers low carbon installations and products used to produce electricity and heat from renewable sources. The certification covers the following types of technology:
Small Wind Turbines
Small Wind Turbines
Wind is a clean, free, and readily available renewable energy source. Wind turbines harness the power of the wind and use it to generate electricity.
Wind turbines use blades to catch the wind. When the wind blows, the blades are forced round, driving a turbine which generates electricity. The stronger the wind, the more electricity produced.
There are two types of wind turbines that could be used at home:
- A pole mounted turbine is free standing and are erected in a suitably exposed position, with a generation capacity of about 5kW to 6kW.
- A building mounted turbine is smaller than mast mounted systems and can be installed on the roof of a home where there is a suitable wind resource. Often these have a generation capacity of about 1kW to 2kW.
Small-scale wind power is particularly suitable for remote off-grid locations where conventional methods of supply are expensive or impractical. However, building mounted wind turbines are also suitable for urban locations on homes and other buildings.
You can usually install a roof-mounted turbine anywhere there’s a reasonable amount of wind, such as a gable end or the side wall of a building.
The optimum site for a wind turbine is a smooth-topped hill with clear exposure, free from excessive turbulence and obstructions such as trees, houses or other buildings. However, other areas may have a sufficient wind resource to make a wind turbine worthwhile.
Wind speed increases with height so it’s best to have the turbine high on a mast or tower.
Planning requirements apply for wind energy installations. Your local council should be able to offer advice on this.
The benefits of installing a Wind Turbine:
- Reduce your electricity bills.
- Cut your carbon footprint.
- Store excess electricity in readiness for when you need it.
- Electricity generated by the wind does not emit CO2 or leave any waste products.
- Wind is an infinite resource that cannot be exhausted.
Maintaining a Wind Turbine
If you install a wind turbine, you will need to undertake maintenance checks every few years. This will generally cost around £100 to £200 depending on turbine size.
A well-maintained turbine should last more than 20 years, but you may need to replace the inverter at some stage during this time, at a cost of £1,000 to £2,000 for a large system.
For off-grid systems, batteries will also need replacing, typically every 6 to 10 years. The cost of replacing batteries varies depending on the design and scale of your system.
I’m interested in installing a Wind Turbine, what should I do next?
Search for an MCS certified Installer using our directory of approved installers.
MCS is a mark of quality. Using an MCS certified installer ensures that equipment meets good standards of performance and that installers are technically safe and competent.
Make a decision based on three quotes. Trust your instincts and go with a good value quote with an installer you feel you can trust.
Useful links
Here are some great information sources and resources if you would like to find out more about Wind Turbines:
- Energy Saving Trust
- Renewable UK
Battery Storage
Battery Storage
Battery storage allows you to make the most of electricity that you generate by storing it, so that you can use the energy when you actually need it. Battery storage can work alongside a solar PV system, whether retro-fitted to an existing installation or fitted as part of a new installation. Storage ties in very well to the idea of the ‘smart home’.
For example, you could store more of the solar power that you generate so you can use it when the sun has gone down instead of drawing on grid electricity from your electricity supplier. Storage is particularly useful and most valuable economically if you have solar but are out most of the day and can’t use all of your solar power.
Storage can also be used to draw power from the grid when it is especially cheap.
The two types of batteries most commonly offered for solar PV storage in the home are lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries. Batteries and battery systems can vary considerably in shape, size and weight. The greater the battery capacity, the greater the battery size and weight. Typical domestic systems vary from being the size of a small computer to the size of a washing machine.
The benefits of Battery Storage:
- Batteries can help you use more of the electricity generated by your PV system
- Store excess electricity in readiness for when you need it.
- Reduce your electricity bills.
- Cut your carbon footprint.
- Invest in the future and reduce your reliance on the National Grid
- Once your battery is fully charged, you could earn money on the electricity that you produce by selling excess energy back to the grid using the Smart Export Guarantee.
Maintaining Battery Storage
A battery’s efficient lifetime depends on the technology and the way the battery is used – significantly on the number of complete full battery charge and discharge cycles that they undergo.
Manufacturers generally give an expected lifetime in years and/or in ‘charge-discharge cycles’.
Lithium-ion batteries last longer than lead-acid: you may see a 10-year lifetime expectancy claimed and this is improving all the time.
Normally the battery storage system will monitor the battery performance and should give you an indication when your batteries need replacing.
Some battery system manufacturers operate a battery leasing and/or replacement scheme for worn-out batteries and arrange for the safe disposal/recycling of the battery.
As solar panels can last 25 years or longer, your storage battery is likely to need replacing in the lifetime of your solar system.
I’m interested in installing Battery Storage, what should I do next?
MCS has now developed a Standard for Battery Storage and installers can now become certified for this technology type. You can source an MCS certified Battery Storage Installer on our ‘Find a Contractor’ tool and we urge you to make sure your installer is certified for both technology types if you are getting both Solar PV and Battery Storage installed in your home.
Make a decision based on three quotes. Trust your instincts and go with a good value quote with an installer you feel you can trust.
Your home’s suitability
Visit Go Renewable to find out the renewable technologies that are suitable for your home. Powered by MCS and Energy Saving Trust, Go Renewable is a start-to-end platform allowing you to assess your home for your next renewable upgrade, book a professional home survey and compare quotes from MCS certified installers ready to install your chosen renewable technology. Get started here.
Useful links
Here are some great information sources and resources if you would like to find out more about Battery Storage:
Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
You can use Solar Panels to generate green electricity from sunlight. Over 900,000 homes across the country already benefit from clean, affordable solar power.
A Solar Photovoltaic (Solar PV) module absorbs and converts sunlight into electricity. They don’t need direct sunlight to work – they can still generate some electricity on a cloudy day.
Solar PV modules are supplied as a sealed unit with a specific voltage and wattage rating. In order to provide electricity for a building Solar PV modules have to be combined in a system with other components (including an inverter, wiring and roof mounting kit).
PV cells come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most PV systems are made up of panels that fit on top of an existing roof, but you can also fit solar tiles.
You don’t need planning permission to install solar unless you live in a listed building. However, in Conservation Areas or World Heritage sites, the equipment must be installed on the roof, not on a wall that would be visible from a highway.
Increasingly, consumers are choosing to complement their Solar installation with battery storage as it can improve the performance by capturing surplus electricity and saving it, so it can be used later.
The benefits of installing Solar PV:
- Reduce your electricity bills
- You could earn money on the electricity that you produce by selling excess energy back to the grid using the Smart Export Guarantee.
- Store excess electricity
- Cut your carbon footprint
- Low maintenance
- Invest in the future and reduce your reliance on the National Grid
Maintaining a Solar PV system
Solar PV systems don’t require much maintenance – you’ll just need to keep the panels relatively clean and make sure trees don’t begin to overshadow them.
Once fitted, your MCS certified Installer will leave written details of any maintenance checks that you should carry out from time to time to ensure everything is working properly. This should include details of the main inverter fault signals and key trouble-shooting guidance.
The panels should last 25 years or more, but the inverter is likely to need replacing some time during this period, at a cost of about £800.
I’m interested in installing Solar PV, what should I do next?
Search for an MCS certified Installer using our directory of approved installers.
MCS is a mark of quality. Using an MCS certified installer ensures that equipment meets good standards of performance and that installers are technically safe and competent.
Make a decision based on three quotes. Trust your instincts and go with a good value quote with an installer you feel you can trust. Before you sign any contract you should have received a performance assessment specific to your property.
Your home’s suitability
Visit Go Renewable to find out the renewable technologies that are suitable for your home. Powered by MCS and Energy Saving Trust, Go Renewable is a start-to-end platform allowing you to assess your home for your next renewable upgrade, book a professional home survey and compare quotes from MCS certified installers ready to install your chosen renewable technology. Get started here.
Useful links
Here are some great information sources and resources if you would like to find out more about Solar PV:
Solar Mounting
Solar Mounting
Exhaust Air Heat Pump
Exhaust Air Heat Pump
An Exhaust Air Source Heat Pump (EAHP) is a system which absorbs heat from the waste air (or exhaust air) leaving a building.
Heat is extracted from the exhaust air and is upgraded into useful heat energy for space heating and domestic hot water.
An EAHP can also work alongside a standard air source heat pump, providing hot water storage and hot water production at times when the air source heat pump unit is not required for heating, usually during the summer months.
EAHPs are the perfect partner for under floor heating, providing low running costs, minimal maintenance and long life.
The Benefits of installing an Exhaust Air Heat Pump:
- Reduce your electricity bills.
- Cut your carbon footprint.
- Low on noise and compact
Maintaining an Exhaust Air Heat Pump
EAHPs have a life expectancy of around 20 years.
I’m interested in installing an Exhaust Air Heat Pumps, what should I do next?
Search for an MCS certified Installer using our directory of approved installers.
MCS is a mark of quality. Using an MCS certified installer ensures that equipment meets good standards of performance and that installers are technically safe and competent.
Make a decision based on three quotes. Trust your instincts and go with a good value quote with an installer you feel you can trust.
When considering an EAHP for your home, you will need to make sure your property is well insulated. These systems involve duct work that is required to transfer exhaust air from warm rooms of the house to the water source for heating. Consequently, these types of heat pumps are usually more suited to new build or renovation projects.
It’s also worth noting that to ensure the system is incorporated effectively and efficiently, ducting should be designed at the planning stage.
Solar Assisted Heat Pump
Solar Assisted Heat Pump
A Solar Assisted Heat Pump (SAHP) is a system which absorbs atmospheric heat (e.g. via an external absorber) and turns this into useful heat energy for domestic hot water. An external absorber acts as an evaporator and utilises the heat in the atmosphere as well as any available direct solar radiation.
At present MCS only covers SAHPs which provide domestic hot water and achieve minimum performance levels.
The potential benefits of installing a Solar Assisted Heat Pump:
- Reduce your energy bills.
- Cut your carbon footprint.
Maintaining a Solar Assisted Heat Pump
The maintenance requirements of a Solar Assisted Heat Pump are essentially a combination of the requirements for Solar PV and a Heat Pump. Solar PV systems don’t require much maintenance – you’ll just need to keep the panels relatively clean and make sure trees don’t begin to overshadow them.
The Heat Pump element of your system will require regular scheduled maintenance, but you can expect the Heat Pump part itself to operate for circa 15-20 years if well maintained.
I’m interested in installing a Solar Assisted Heat Pump, what should I do next?
Search for an MCS certified Installer using our directory of approved installers.
MCS is a mark of quality. Using an MCS certified installer ensures that equipment meets good standards of performance and that installers are technically safe and competent.
Make a decision based on three quotes. Trust your instincts and go with a good value quote with an installer you feel you can trust.
Installations of Solar Assisted Heat Pumps for domestic properties are relatively uncommon in the UK and you should satisfy yourself that this is the renewable energy solution for you. If you haven’t done so already, you should also consider the benefits of systems independent of each other i.e. a Solar PV system to supplement your electricity needs and a Heat Pump for your heating needs.
Solar Heating
Solar Heating
Solar heating also known as solar thermal technologies, turns sunlight into heat.
Solar heating panels or solar collectors are devices that are mounted on to your roof to absorb the sun’s heat and use it to heat up water, stored in a cylinder. The liquid flowing through the panels is a mix of water and antifreeze. This technology is great for space and water heating. They are a popular solution for swimming pool heating.
The benefits of installing Solar heating:
- Reduce your electricity bills.
- Cut your carbon footprint.
- You could earn income through the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
Maintaining a Solar heating system
Maintenance costs for solar water heating systems are generally very low.
Most solar water heating systems come with a five-year or ten-year warranty and require little maintenance.
Your home’s suitability
Visit Go Renewable to find out the renewable technologies that are suitable for your home. Powered by MCS and Energy Saving Trust, Go Renewable is a start-to-end platform allowing you to assess your home for your next renewable upgrade, book a professional home survey and compare quotes from MCS certified installers ready to install your chosen renewable technology. Get started here.
I’m interested in installing a Solar Thermal system, what should I do next?
Search for an MCS certified Installer using our directory of approved installers.
MCS is a mark of quality. Using an MCS certified installer ensures that equipment meets good standards of performance and that installers are technically safe and competent.
Make a decision based on three quotes. Trust your instincts and go with a good value quote with an installer you feel you can trust.
As with solar photovoltaic cells, solar heating technologies require sunlight, so ideally you would install the technology on a south-facing roof that receives sunlight for most of the day. You don’t need planning permission to install a solar thermal system unless you live in a listed building. If you live in a listed building please note the restrictions.
You may need a new hot water tank to store the hot water produced by your system. If you have an older hot water tank linked to an existing boiler then it is likely that you will need a new tank.
Useful links
Here are some great information sources and resources if you would like to find out more about Solar Thermal:
Ground/Water Source Heat Pump
Ground/Water Source Heat Pump
A Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) uses pipes that are buried in the garden to extract heat from the ground. This heat can then be used to heat radiators, underfloor or warm air heating systems and hot water in your home.
A GSHP circulates a mixture of water and antifreeze around a loop of pipe, called a ground loop. Heat from the ground is absorbed into the fluid and then passes through a heat exchanger into the heat pump.
The ground stays at a fairly constant temperature under the surface, so the heat pump can be used throughout the year.
The length of the ground loop depends on the size of your home and the amount of heat you need. Longer loops can draw more heat from the ground, but need more space to be buried in. If space is limited, a vertical borehole can be drilled instead.
Water Source Heat Pumps (WSHP) can be used to provide heating in homes near to rivers, streams and lakes. They extract the heat from open water such as rivers, lakes and canals and can also extract water from sea water.
The Benefits of installing Ground/Water Source Heat Pumps:
- Reduce your electricity bills.
- Cut your carbon footprint.
- You could earn income through the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
Maintaining Ground/Water Source Heat Pumps
GSHP/WSHP require regular scheduled maintenance but you can expect them to operate for 20 years.
There is no need for safety checks for ground source heat pumps and routine maintenance requirements are very low. These may include pre-heating season checks of the water pump, external pipes and fittings and electronics.
I’m interested in installing Ground/Water Source Heat Pumps, what should I do next?
Search for an MCS certified Installer using our directory of approved installers.
MCS is a mark of quality. Using an MCS certified installer ensures that equipment meets good standards of performance and that installers are technically safe and competent.
Make a decision based on three quotes. Trust your instincts and go with a good value quote with an installer you feel you can trust.
Good design and an experienced MCS certified installer are the most important factors when considering the installation of the Ground/Water Source Heat Pump. You should also consider the state of the insulation in your home. This needs to be to a good standard so that heat loss through the walls, roof and floor is minimised and therefore the fact your home is heated to a lower temperature will not be an issue.
Your home’s suitability
Visit Go Renewable to find out the renewable technologies that are suitable for your home. Powered by MCS and Energy Saving Trust, Go Renewable is a start-to-end platform allowing you to assess your home for your next renewable upgrade, book a professional home survey and compare quotes from MCS certified installers ready to install your chosen renewable technology. Get started here.
Useful links
Here are some great information sources and resources if you would like to find out more about Ground/Water Source Heat Pumps:
Air Source Heat Pump
Air Source Heat Pump
An Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) is a system which absorbs heat from the outside air. This heat can then be used to heat radiators, underfloor heating systems, or warm air convectors and provide domestic hot water in your home.
ASHPs can get heat from the air even when the temperature is as low as -25°C.
In the outdoor unit there is an evaporator (grill with fins), a fan draws air across it, latent heat in the air crossing the evaporator is used to increase the temperature of the refrigerant within the evaporator, the refrigerant is now a gas. Once it has absorbed the latent heat this gas is then passed through a compressor which in turn compresses (squeezes) the gas, this compression cycle of the refrigerant increases the temperature to between 25°C – 75°C. Now the higher temperature gas is passed through a plate heat exchanger this is where the high temperature from the gas is absorbed by the primary water within the heat pump system, this primary water, just like your boiler, is used to heat the house or produce domestic hot water.
There are two main types of air source heat pump systems:
- An air to water system distributes heat via your wet central heating system. Heat pumps work much more efficiently at a lower temperature than a standard boiler system would. This makes them more suitable for underfloor heating systems or larger radiators, which give out heat at lower temperatures over longer periods of time.
- An air-to-air system produces warm air which is circulated by fans to heat your home. (Please note, an air-to-air heat pump isn’t eligible for RHI)
An ASHP is installed outside your home, the unit can be fitted to a wall or placed on the ground. It will need plenty of space around it to get a good flow of air.
The benefits of installing an Air Source Heat Pump:
- Reduce your heating bills, although as an Air Source Heat Pump uses electricity, you will stay pay for electricity
- Cut your carbon footprint.
- Can heat your hot water as well as your home.
Maintaining an Air Source Heat Pump
An ASHP requires regular scheduled maintenance but you can expect them to operate for 20 years. You are likely to be advised to carry out a yearly check that the air inlet grill and evaporator are free of leaves or other debris.
Any plants that have started to grow near the ASHP will also need to be removed.
To prevent freezing in a power cut Monobloc heat pumps require anti-freeze to be used.
I’m interested in installing an Air Source Heat Pump, what should I do next?
Search for an MCS certified Installer using our directory of approved installers.
MCS is a mark of quality. Using an MCS certified installer ensures that equipment meets good standards of performance and that installers are technically safe and competent.
Make a decision based on three quotes. Trust your instincts and go with a good value quote with an installer you feel you can trust.
Make sure you receive a design for your new system including the location of your new Air Source Heat Pump. You’ll need enough space in your garden for the external condenser unit (comparable in size to an air-conditioning unit). When considering the location of your new Air Source Heat Pump note that the condenser units will generate noise and also blow out colder air to the immediate environment.
Your home’s suitability
Visit Go Renewable to find out the renewable technologies that are suitable for your home. Powered by MCS and Energy Saving Trust, Go Renewable is a start-to-end platform allowing you to assess your home for your next renewable upgrade, book a professional home survey and compare quotes from MCS certified installers ready to install your chosen renewable technology. Get started here.
Useful Links
Micro CHP
Micro CHP
Micro Combined Heat and Power (Micro CHP) is a product which can generate heat and electricity at the same time and from the same energy source. Micro CHP can be heat led (heat is the main output) or electricity led (electricity is the main output).
Domestic Micro CHP systems are powered by mains gas or LPG. Although these are fossil fuels, the technology is still considered to be ‘low carbon’ because it can be more efficient than just burning a fossil fuel for heat and getting electricity from the national grid.
Micro CHP systems are similar in size and shape to ordinary, domestic boilers and like them can be wall hung or floor standing.
The benefits of installing Micro CHP:
- Electricity is generated as a by-product of heat.
- By generating electricity on-site you could be saving carbon dioxide compared with using grid electricity and a standard heating boiler.
- Installation is easy. If you already have a conventional boiler then a micro-CHP unit should be able to replace it as it’s roughly the same size.
- Reduce your electricity bills.
- Cut your carbon footprint.
Maintaining Micro CHP
Servicing costs and maintenance are estimated to be similar to a standard boiler – although a specialist will be required.
I’m interested in installing Micro CHP, what should I do next?
Search for an MCS certified Installer using our directory of approved installers.
MCS is a mark of quality. Using an MCS certified installer ensures that equipment meets good standards of performance and that installers are technically safe and competent.
Make a decision based on three quotes. Trust your instincts and go with a good value quote with an installer you feel you can trust.
Useful links
Here are some great information sources and resources if you would like to find out more about Micro CHP:
Biomass
Biomass
Biomass is also known as wood-fuelled heating systems. They burn wood pellets, chips or logs to provide warmth in a single room or to power central heating and hot water boilers.
A stove burns logs or pellets to heat a single room – and may be fitted with a back boiler to provide water heating as well. A boiler burns logs, pellets or chips, and is connected to a central heating and hot water system.
The benefits of installing Biomass:
- Reduce your electricity bills.
- An affordable heating source.
- Cut your carbon footprint.
- You could earn income through the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
Maintaining a Biomass system
Biomass boilers and stoves should be kept clean and swept regularly to remove ash.
Some appliances, particularly boilers, have self-cleaning systems which will collect ash from the combustion grate and the heat exchanger tubes. If there is no automatic ash cleaning mechanism in place the boiler will need to be shut down periodically so that this can be done by hand.
If you have a wood burning stove or boiler, the chimney and flue pipe must be swept regularly to remove all soot deposits and prevent blockage.
A Biomass system will also require an annual maintenance check.
I’m interested in installing Biomass, what should I do next?
Search for an MCS certified Installer using our directory of approved installers.
MCS is a mark of quality. Using an MCS certified installer ensures that equipment meets good standards of performance and that installers are technically safe and competent.
Make a decision based on three quotes. Trust your instincts and go with a good value quote with an installer you feel you can trust.
You should consider the space you have available for both the boiler plant and fuel storage. The larger the storage facility, the less fuel deliveries you will need.
The design of any heating system is critical to its success and with Biomass it is no different. You should understand how your new Biomass will work for your home before signing a contractor for its installation.
Your home’s suitability
Visit Go Renewable to find out the renewable technologies that are suitable for your home. Powered by MCS and Energy Saving Trust, Go Renewable is a start-to-end platform allowing you to assess your home for your next renewable upgrade, book a professional home survey and compare quotes from MCS certified installers ready to install your chosen renewable technology. Get started here.
Useful links
Small Wind Turbines
Small Wind Turbines
Wind is a clean, free, and readily available renewable energy source. Wind turbines harness the power of the wind and use it to generate electricity.
Wind turbines use blades to catch the wind. When the wind blows, the blades are forced round, driving a turbine which generates electricity. The stronger the wind, the more electricity produced.
There are two types of wind turbines that could be used at home:
- A pole mounted turbine is free standing and are erected in a suitably exposed position, with a generation capacity of about 5kW to 6kW.
- A building mounted turbine is smaller than mast mounted systems and can be installed on the roof of a home where there is a suitable wind resource. Often these have a generation capacity of about 1kW to 2kW.
Small-scale wind power is particularly suitable for remote off-grid locations where conventional methods of supply are expensive or impractical. However, building mounted wind turbines are also suitable for urban locations on homes and other buildings.
You can usually install a roof-mounted turbine anywhere there’s a reasonable amount of wind, such as a gable end or the side wall of a building.
The optimum site for a wind turbine is a smooth-topped hill with clear exposure, free from excessive turbulence and obstructions such as trees, houses or other buildings. However, other areas may have a sufficient wind resource to make a wind turbine worthwhile.
Wind speed increases with height so it’s best to have the turbine high on a mast or tower.
Planning requirements apply for wind energy installations. Your local council should be able to offer advice on this.
The benefits of installing a Wind Turbine:
- Reduce your electricity bills.
- Cut your carbon footprint.
- Store excess electricity in readiness for when you need it.
- Electricity generated by the wind does not emit CO2 or leave any waste products.
- Wind is an infinite resource that cannot be exhausted.
Maintaining a Wind Turbine
If you install a wind turbine, you will need to undertake maintenance checks every few years. This will generally cost around £100 to £200 depending on turbine size.
A well-maintained turbine should last more than 20 years, but you may need to replace the inverter at some stage during this time, at a cost of £1,000 to £2,000 for a large system.
For off-grid systems, batteries will also need replacing, typically every 6 to 10 years. The cost of replacing batteries varies depending on the design and scale of your system.
I’m interested in installing a Wind Turbine, what should I do next?
Search for an MCS certified Installer using our directory of approved installers.
MCS is a mark of quality. Using an MCS certified installer ensures that equipment meets good standards of performance and that installers are technically safe and competent.
Make a decision based on three quotes. Trust your instincts and go with a good value quote with an installer you feel you can trust.
Useful links
Here are some great information sources and resources if you would like to find out more about Wind Turbines:
- Energy Saving Trust
- Renewable UK
Battery Storage
Battery Storage
Battery storage allows you to make the most of electricity that you generate by storing it, so that you can use the energy when you actually need it. Battery storage can work alongside a solar PV system, whether retro-fitted to an existing installation or fitted as part of a new installation. Storage ties in very well to the idea of the ‘smart home’.
For example, you could store more of the solar power that you generate so you can use it when the sun has gone down instead of drawing on grid electricity from your electricity supplier. Storage is particularly useful and most valuable economically if you have solar but are out most of the day and can’t use all of your solar power.
Storage can also be used to draw power from the grid when it is especially cheap.
The two types of batteries most commonly offered for solar PV storage in the home are lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries. Batteries and battery systems can vary considerably in shape, size and weight. The greater the battery capacity, the greater the battery size and weight. Typical domestic systems vary from being the size of a small computer to the size of a washing machine.
The benefits of Battery Storage:
- Batteries can help you use more of the electricity generated by your PV system
- Store excess electricity in readiness for when you need it.
- Reduce your electricity bills.
- Cut your carbon footprint.
- Invest in the future and reduce your reliance on the National Grid
- Once your battery is fully charged, you could earn money on the electricity that you produce by selling excess energy back to the grid using the Smart Export Guarantee.
Maintaining Battery Storage
A battery’s efficient lifetime depends on the technology and the way the battery is used – significantly on the number of complete full battery charge and discharge cycles that they undergo.
Manufacturers generally give an expected lifetime in years and/or in ‘charge-discharge cycles’.
Lithium-ion batteries last longer than lead-acid: you may see a 10-year lifetime expectancy claimed and this is improving all the time.
Normally the battery storage system will monitor the battery performance and should give you an indication when your batteries need replacing.
Some battery system manufacturers operate a battery leasing and/or replacement scheme for worn-out batteries and arrange for the safe disposal/recycling of the battery.
As solar panels can last 25 years or longer, your storage battery is likely to need replacing in the lifetime of your solar system.
I’m interested in installing Battery Storage, what should I do next?
MCS has now developed a Standard for Battery Storage and installers can now become certified for this technology type. You can source an MCS certified Battery Storage Installer on our ‘Find a Contractor’ tool and we urge you to make sure your installer is certified for both technology types if you are getting both Solar PV and Battery Storage installed in your home.
Make a decision based on three quotes. Trust your instincts and go with a good value quote with an installer you feel you can trust.
Your home’s suitability
Visit Go Renewable to find out the renewable technologies that are suitable for your home. Powered by MCS and Energy Saving Trust, Go Renewable is a start-to-end platform allowing you to assess your home for your next renewable upgrade, book a professional home survey and compare quotes from MCS certified installers ready to install your chosen renewable technology. Get started here.
Useful links
Here are some great information sources and resources if you would like to find out more about Battery Storage:
Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
You can use Solar Panels to generate green electricity from sunlight. Over 900,000 homes across the country already benefit from clean, affordable solar power.
A Solar Photovoltaic (Solar PV) module absorbs and converts sunlight into electricity. They don’t need direct sunlight to work – they can still generate some electricity on a cloudy day.
Solar PV modules are supplied as a sealed unit with a specific voltage and wattage rating. In order to provide electricity for a building Solar PV modules have to be combined in a system with other components (including an inverter, wiring and roof mounting kit).
PV cells come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most PV systems are made up of panels that fit on top of an existing roof, but you can also fit solar tiles.
You don’t need planning permission to install solar unless you live in a listed building. However, in Conservation Areas or World Heritage sites, the equipment must be installed on the roof, not on a wall that would be visible from a highway.
Increasingly, consumers are choosing to complement their Solar installation with battery storage as it can improve the performance by capturing surplus electricity and saving it, so it can be used later.
The benefits of installing Solar PV:
- Reduce your electricity bills
- You could earn money on the electricity that you produce by selling excess energy back to the grid using the Smart Export Guarantee.
- Store excess electricity
- Cut your carbon footprint
- Low maintenance
- Invest in the future and reduce your reliance on the National Grid
Maintaining a Solar PV system
Solar PV systems don’t require much maintenance – you’ll just need to keep the panels relatively clean and make sure trees don’t begin to overshadow them.
Once fitted, your MCS certified Installer will leave written details of any maintenance checks that you should carry out from time to time to ensure everything is working properly. This should include details of the main inverter fault signals and key trouble-shooting guidance.
The panels should last 25 years or more, but the inverter is likely to need replacing some time during this period, at a cost of about £800.
I’m interested in installing Solar PV, what should I do next?
Search for an MCS certified Installer using our directory of approved installers.
MCS is a mark of quality. Using an MCS certified installer ensures that equipment meets good standards of performance and that installers are technically safe and competent.
Make a decision based on three quotes. Trust your instincts and go with a good value quote with an installer you feel you can trust. Before you sign any contract you should have received a performance assessment specific to your property.
Your home’s suitability
Visit Go Renewable to find out the renewable technologies that are suitable for your home. Powered by MCS and Energy Saving Trust, Go Renewable is a start-to-end platform allowing you to assess your home for your next renewable upgrade, book a professional home survey and compare quotes from MCS certified installers ready to install your chosen renewable technology. Get started here.
Useful links
Here are some great information sources and resources if you would like to find out more about Solar PV:
Solar Mounting
Solar Mounting
Exhaust Air Heat Pump
Exhaust Air Heat Pump
An Exhaust Air Source Heat Pump (EAHP) is a system which absorbs heat from the waste air (or exhaust air) leaving a building.
Heat is extracted from the exhaust air and is upgraded into useful heat energy for space heating and domestic hot water.
An EAHP can also work alongside a standard air source heat pump, providing hot water storage and hot water production at times when the air source heat pump unit is not required for heating, usually during the summer months.
EAHPs are the perfect partner for under floor heating, providing low running costs, minimal maintenance and long life.
The Benefits of installing an Exhaust Air Heat Pump:
- Reduce your electricity bills.
- Cut your carbon footprint.
- Low on noise and compact
Maintaining an Exhaust Air Heat Pump
EAHPs have a life expectancy of around 20 years.
I’m interested in installing an Exhaust Air Heat Pumps, what should I do next?
Search for an MCS certified Installer using our directory of approved installers.
MCS is a mark of quality. Using an MCS certified installer ensures that equipment meets good standards of performance and that installers are technically safe and competent.
Make a decision based on three quotes. Trust your instincts and go with a good value quote with an installer you feel you can trust.
When considering an EAHP for your home, you will need to make sure your property is well insulated. These systems involve duct work that is required to transfer exhaust air from warm rooms of the house to the water source for heating. Consequently, these types of heat pumps are usually more suited to new build or renovation projects.
It’s also worth noting that to ensure the system is incorporated effectively and efficiently, ducting should be designed at the planning stage.
Solar Assisted Heat Pump
Solar Assisted Heat Pump
A Solar Assisted Heat Pump (SAHP) is a system which absorbs atmospheric heat (e.g. via an external absorber) and turns this into useful heat energy for domestic hot water. An external absorber acts as an evaporator and utilises the heat in the atmosphere as well as any available direct solar radiation.
At present MCS only covers SAHPs which provide domestic hot water and achieve minimum performance levels.
The potential benefits of installing a Solar Assisted Heat Pump:
- Reduce your energy bills.
- Cut your carbon footprint.
Maintaining a Solar Assisted Heat Pump
The maintenance requirements of a Solar Assisted Heat Pump are essentially a combination of the requirements for Solar PV and a Heat Pump. Solar PV systems don’t require much maintenance – you’ll just need to keep the panels relatively clean and make sure trees don’t begin to overshadow them.
The Heat Pump element of your system will require regular scheduled maintenance, but you can expect the Heat Pump part itself to operate for circa 15-20 years if well maintained.
I’m interested in installing a Solar Assisted Heat Pump, what should I do next?
Search for an MCS certified Installer using our directory of approved installers.
MCS is a mark of quality. Using an MCS certified installer ensures that equipment meets good standards of performance and that installers are technically safe and competent.
Make a decision based on three quotes. Trust your instincts and go with a good value quote with an installer you feel you can trust.
Installations of Solar Assisted Heat Pumps for domestic properties are relatively uncommon in the UK and you should satisfy yourself that this is the renewable energy solution for you. If you haven’t done so already, you should also consider the benefits of systems independent of each other i.e. a Solar PV system to supplement your electricity needs and a Heat Pump for your heating needs.
Solar Heating
Solar Heating
Solar heating also known as solar thermal technologies, turns sunlight into heat.
Solar heating panels or solar collectors are devices that are mounted on to your roof to absorb the sun’s heat and use it to heat up water, stored in a cylinder. The liquid flowing through the panels is a mix of water and antifreeze. This technology is great for space and water heating. They are a popular solution for swimming pool heating.
The benefits of installing Solar heating:
- Reduce your electricity bills.
- Cut your carbon footprint.
- You could earn income through the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
Maintaining a Solar heating system
Maintenance costs for solar water heating systems are generally very low.
Most solar water heating systems come with a five-year or ten-year warranty and require little maintenance.
Your home’s suitability
Visit Go Renewable to find out the renewable technologies that are suitable for your home. Powered by MCS and Energy Saving Trust, Go Renewable is a start-to-end platform allowing you to assess your home for your next renewable upgrade, book a professional home survey and compare quotes from MCS certified installers ready to install your chosen renewable technology. Get started here.
I’m interested in installing a Solar Thermal system, what should I do next?
Search for an MCS certified Installer using our directory of approved installers.
MCS is a mark of quality. Using an MCS certified installer ensures that equipment meets good standards of performance and that installers are technically safe and competent.
Make a decision based on three quotes. Trust your instincts and go with a good value quote with an installer you feel you can trust.
As with solar photovoltaic cells, solar heating technologies require sunlight, so ideally you would install the technology on a south-facing roof that receives sunlight for most of the day. You don’t need planning permission to install a solar thermal system unless you live in a listed building. If you live in a listed building please note the restrictions.
You may need a new hot water tank to store the hot water produced by your system. If you have an older hot water tank linked to an existing boiler then it is likely that you will need a new tank.
Useful links
Here are some great information sources and resources if you would like to find out more about Solar Thermal:
Ground/Water Source Heat Pump
Ground/Water Source Heat Pump
A Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) uses pipes that are buried in the garden to extract heat from the ground. This heat can then be used to heat radiators, underfloor or warm air heating systems and hot water in your home.
A GSHP circulates a mixture of water and antifreeze around a loop of pipe, called a ground loop. Heat from the ground is absorbed into the fluid and then passes through a heat exchanger into the heat pump.
The ground stays at a fairly constant temperature under the surface, so the heat pump can be used throughout the year.
The length of the ground loop depends on the size of your home and the amount of heat you need. Longer loops can draw more heat from the ground, but need more space to be buried in. If space is limited, a vertical borehole can be drilled instead.
Water Source Heat Pumps (WSHP) can be used to provide heating in homes near to rivers, streams and lakes. They extract the heat from open water such as rivers, lakes and canals and can also extract water from sea water.
The Benefits of installing Ground/Water Source Heat Pumps:
- Reduce your electricity bills.
- Cut your carbon footprint.
- You could earn income through the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
Maintaining Ground/Water Source Heat Pumps
GSHP/WSHP require regular scheduled maintenance but you can expect them to operate for 20 years.
There is no need for safety checks for ground source heat pumps and routine maintenance requirements are very low. These may include pre-heating season checks of the water pump, external pipes and fittings and electronics.
I’m interested in installing Ground/Water Source Heat Pumps, what should I do next?
Search for an MCS certified Installer using our directory of approved installers.
MCS is a mark of quality. Using an MCS certified installer ensures that equipment meets good standards of performance and that installers are technically safe and competent.
Make a decision based on three quotes. Trust your instincts and go with a good value quote with an installer you feel you can trust.
Good design and an experienced MCS certified installer are the most important factors when considering the installation of the Ground/Water Source Heat Pump. You should also consider the state of the insulation in your home. This needs to be to a good standard so that heat loss through the walls, roof and floor is minimised and therefore the fact your home is heated to a lower temperature will not be an issue.
Your home’s suitability
Visit Go Renewable to find out the renewable technologies that are suitable for your home. Powered by MCS and Energy Saving Trust, Go Renewable is a start-to-end platform allowing you to assess your home for your next renewable upgrade, book a professional home survey and compare quotes from MCS certified installers ready to install your chosen renewable technology. Get started here.
Useful links
Here are some great information sources and resources if you would like to find out more about Ground/Water Source Heat Pumps:
Air Source Heat Pump
Air Source Heat Pump
An Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) is a system which absorbs heat from the outside air. This heat can then be used to heat radiators, underfloor heating systems, or warm air convectors and provide domestic hot water in your home.
ASHPs can get heat from the air even when the temperature is as low as -25°C.
In the outdoor unit there is an evaporator (grill with fins), a fan draws air across it, latent heat in the air crossing the evaporator is used to increase the temperature of the refrigerant within the evaporator, the refrigerant is now a gas. Once it has absorbed the latent heat this gas is then passed through a compressor which in turn compresses (squeezes) the gas, this compression cycle of the refrigerant increases the temperature to between 25°C – 75°C. Now the higher temperature gas is passed through a plate heat exchanger this is where the high temperature from the gas is absorbed by the primary water within the heat pump system, this primary water, just like your boiler, is used to heat the house or produce domestic hot water.
There are two main types of air source heat pump systems:
- An air to water system distributes heat via your wet central heating system. Heat pumps work much more efficiently at a lower temperature than a standard boiler system would. This makes them more suitable for underfloor heating systems or larger radiators, which give out heat at lower temperatures over longer periods of time.
- An air-to-air system produces warm air which is circulated by fans to heat your home. (Please note, an air-to-air heat pump isn’t eligible for RHI)
An ASHP is installed outside your home, the unit can be fitted to a wall or placed on the ground. It will need plenty of space around it to get a good flow of air.
The benefits of installing an Air Source Heat Pump:
- Reduce your heating bills, although as an Air Source Heat Pump uses electricity, you will stay pay for electricity
- Cut your carbon footprint.
- Can heat your hot water as well as your home.
Maintaining an Air Source Heat Pump
An ASHP requires regular scheduled maintenance but you can expect them to operate for 20 years. You are likely to be advised to carry out a yearly check that the air inlet grill and evaporator are free of leaves or other debris.
Any plants that have started to grow near the ASHP will also need to be removed.
To prevent freezing in a power cut Monobloc heat pumps require anti-freeze to be used.
I’m interested in installing an Air Source Heat Pump, what should I do next?
Search for an MCS certified Installer using our directory of approved installers.
MCS is a mark of quality. Using an MCS certified installer ensures that equipment meets good standards of performance and that installers are technically safe and competent.
Make a decision based on three quotes. Trust your instincts and go with a good value quote with an installer you feel you can trust.
Make sure you receive a design for your new system including the location of your new Air Source Heat Pump. You’ll need enough space in your garden for the external condenser unit (comparable in size to an air-conditioning unit). When considering the location of your new Air Source Heat Pump note that the condenser units will generate noise and also blow out colder air to the immediate environment.
Your home’s suitability
Visit Go Renewable to find out the renewable technologies that are suitable for your home. Powered by MCS and Energy Saving Trust, Go Renewable is a start-to-end platform allowing you to assess your home for your next renewable upgrade, book a professional home survey and compare quotes from MCS certified installers ready to install your chosen renewable technology. Get started here.
Useful Links
Micro CHP
Micro CHP
Micro Combined Heat and Power (Micro CHP) is a product which can generate heat and electricity at the same time and from the same energy source. Micro CHP can be heat led (heat is the main output) or electricity led (electricity is the main output).
Domestic Micro CHP systems are powered by mains gas or LPG. Although these are fossil fuels, the technology is still considered to be ‘low carbon’ because it can be more efficient than just burning a fossil fuel for heat and getting electricity from the national grid.
Micro CHP systems are similar in size and shape to ordinary, domestic boilers and like them can be wall hung or floor standing.
The benefits of installing Micro CHP:
- Electricity is generated as a by-product of heat.
- By generating electricity on-site you could be saving carbon dioxide compared with using grid electricity and a standard heating boiler.
- Installation is easy. If you already have a conventional boiler then a micro-CHP unit should be able to replace it as it’s roughly the same size.
- Reduce your electricity bills.
- Cut your carbon footprint.
Maintaining Micro CHP
Servicing costs and maintenance are estimated to be similar to a standard boiler – although a specialist will be required.
I’m interested in installing Micro CHP, what should I do next?
Search for an MCS certified Installer using our directory of approved installers.
MCS is a mark of quality. Using an MCS certified installer ensures that equipment meets good standards of performance and that installers are technically safe and competent.
Make a decision based on three quotes. Trust your instincts and go with a good value quote with an installer you feel you can trust.
Useful links
Here are some great information sources and resources if you would like to find out more about Micro CHP:
Biomass
Biomass
Biomass is also known as wood-fuelled heating systems. They burn wood pellets, chips or logs to provide warmth in a single room or to power central heating and hot water boilers.
A stove burns logs or pellets to heat a single room – and may be fitted with a back boiler to provide water heating as well. A boiler burns logs, pellets or chips, and is connected to a central heating and hot water system.
The benefits of installing Biomass:
- Reduce your electricity bills.
- An affordable heating source.
- Cut your carbon footprint.
- You could earn income through the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
Maintaining a Biomass system
Biomass boilers and stoves should be kept clean and swept regularly to remove ash.
Some appliances, particularly boilers, have self-cleaning systems which will collect ash from the combustion grate and the heat exchanger tubes. If there is no automatic ash cleaning mechanism in place the boiler will need to be shut down periodically so that this can be done by hand.
If you have a wood burning stove or boiler, the chimney and flue pipe must be swept regularly to remove all soot deposits and prevent blockage.
A Biomass system will also require an annual maintenance check.
I’m interested in installing Biomass, what should I do next?
Search for an MCS certified Installer using our directory of approved installers.
MCS is a mark of quality. Using an MCS certified installer ensures that equipment meets good standards of performance and that installers are technically safe and competent.
Make a decision based on three quotes. Trust your instincts and go with a good value quote with an installer you feel you can trust.
You should consider the space you have available for both the boiler plant and fuel storage. The larger the storage facility, the less fuel deliveries you will need.
The design of any heating system is critical to its success and with Biomass it is no different. You should understand how your new Biomass will work for your home before signing a contractor for its installation.
Your home’s suitability
Visit Go Renewable to find out the renewable technologies that are suitable for your home. Powered by MCS and Energy Saving Trust, Go Renewable is a start-to-end platform allowing you to assess your home for your next renewable upgrade, book a professional home survey and compare quotes from MCS certified installers ready to install your chosen renewable technology. Get started here.
Useful links
Small Wind Turbines
Small Wind Turbines
Wind is a clean, free, and readily available renewable energy source. Wind turbines harness the power of the wind and use it to generate electricity.
Wind turbines use blades to catch the wind. When the wind blows, the blades are forced round, driving a turbine which generates electricity. The stronger the wind, the more electricity produced.
There are two types of wind turbines that could be used at home:
- A pole mounted turbine is free standing and are erected in a suitably exposed position, with a generation capacity of about 5kW to 6kW.
- A building mounted turbine is smaller than mast mounted systems and can be installed on the roof of a home where there is a suitable wind resource. Often these have a generation capacity of about 1kW to 2kW.
Small-scale wind power is particularly suitable for remote off-grid locations where conventional methods of supply are expensive or impractical. However, building mounted wind turbines are also suitable for urban locations on homes and other buildings.
You can usually install a roof-mounted turbine anywhere there’s a reasonable amount of wind, such as a gable end or the side wall of a building.
The optimum site for a wind turbine is a smooth-topped hill with clear exposure, free from excessive turbulence and obstructions such as trees, houses or other buildings. However, other areas may have a sufficient wind resource to make a wind turbine worthwhile.
Wind speed increases with height so it’s best to have the turbine high on a mast or tower.
Planning requirements apply for wind energy installations. Your local council should be able to offer advice on this.
The benefits of installing a Wind Turbine:
- Reduce your electricity bills.
- Cut your carbon footprint.
- Store excess electricity in readiness for when you need it.
- Electricity generated by the wind does not emit CO2 or leave any waste products.
- Wind is an infinite resource that cannot be exhausted.
Maintaining a Wind Turbine
If you install a wind turbine, you will need to undertake maintenance checks every few years. This will generally cost around £100 to £200 depending on turbine size.
A well-maintained turbine should last more than 20 years, but you may need to replace the inverter at some stage during this time, at a cost of £1,000 to £2,000 for a large system.
For off-grid systems, batteries will also need replacing, typically every 6 to 10 years. The cost of replacing batteries varies depending on the design and scale of your system.
I’m interested in installing a Wind Turbine, what should I do next?
Search for an MCS certified Installer using our directory of approved installers.
MCS is a mark of quality. Using an MCS certified installer ensures that equipment meets good standards of performance and that installers are technically safe and competent.
Make a decision based on three quotes. Trust your instincts and go with a good value quote with an installer you feel you can trust.
Useful links
Here are some great information sources and resources if you would like to find out more about Wind Turbines:
- Energy Saving Trust
- Renewable UK
Battery Storage
Battery Storage
Battery storage allows you to make the most of electricity that you generate by storing it, so that you can use the energy when you actually need it. Battery storage can work alongside a solar PV system, whether retro-fitted to an existing installation or fitted as part of a new installation. Storage ties in very well to the idea of the ‘smart home’.
For example, you could store more of the solar power that you generate so you can use it when the sun has gone down instead of drawing on grid electricity from your electricity supplier. Storage is particularly useful and most valuable economically if you have solar but are out most of the day and can’t use all of your solar power.
Storage can also be used to draw power from the grid when it is especially cheap.
The two types of batteries most commonly offered for solar PV storage in the home are lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries. Batteries and battery systems can vary considerably in shape, size and weight. The greater the battery capacity, the greater the battery size and weight. Typical domestic systems vary from being the size of a small computer to the size of a washing machine.
The benefits of Battery Storage:
- Batteries can help you use more of the electricity generated by your PV system
- Store excess electricity in readiness for when you need it.
- Reduce your electricity bills.
- Cut your carbon footprint.
- Invest in the future and reduce your reliance on the National Grid
- Once your battery is fully charged, you could earn money on the electricity that you produce by selling excess energy back to the grid using the Smart Export Guarantee.
Maintaining Battery Storage
A battery’s efficient lifetime depends on the technology and the way the battery is used – significantly on the number of complete full battery charge and discharge cycles that they undergo.
Manufacturers generally give an expected lifetime in years and/or in ‘charge-discharge cycles’.
Lithium-ion batteries last longer than lead-acid: you may see a 10-year lifetime expectancy claimed and this is improving all the time.
Normally the battery storage system will monitor the battery performance and should give you an indication when your batteries need replacing.
Some battery system manufacturers operate a battery leasing and/or replacement scheme for worn-out batteries and arrange for the safe disposal/recycling of the battery.
As solar panels can last 25 years or longer, your storage battery is likely to need replacing in the lifetime of your solar system.
I’m interested in installing Battery Storage, what should I do next?
MCS has now developed a Standard for Battery Storage and installers can now become certified for this technology type. You can source an MCS certified Battery Storage Installer on our ‘Find a Contractor’ tool and we urge you to make sure your installer is certified for both technology types if you are getting both Solar PV and Battery Storage installed in your home.
Make a decision based on three quotes. Trust your instincts and go with a good value quote with an installer you feel you can trust.
Your home’s suitability
Visit Go Renewable to find out the renewable technologies that are suitable for your home. Powered by MCS and Energy Saving Trust, Go Renewable is a start-to-end platform allowing you to assess your home for your next renewable upgrade, book a professional home survey and compare quotes from MCS certified installers ready to install your chosen renewable technology. Get started here.
Useful links
Here are some great information sources and resources if you would like to find out more about Battery Storage:
Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
You can use Solar Panels to generate green electricity from sunlight. Over 900,000 homes across the country already benefit from clean, affordable solar power.
A Solar Photovoltaic (Solar PV) module absorbs and converts sunlight into electricity. They don’t need direct sunlight to work – they can still generate some electricity on a cloudy day.
Solar PV modules are supplied as a sealed unit with a specific voltage and wattage rating. In order to provide electricity for a building Solar PV modules have to be combined in a system with other components (including an inverter, wiring and roof mounting kit).
PV cells come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most PV systems are made up of panels that fit on top of an existing roof, but you can also fit solar tiles.
You don’t need planning permission to install solar unless you live in a listed building. However, in Conservation Areas or World Heritage sites, the equipment must be installed on the roof, not on a wall that would be visible from a highway.
Increasingly, consumers are choosing to complement their Solar installation with battery storage as it can improve the performance by capturing surplus electricity and saving it, so it can be used later.
The benefits of installing Solar PV:
- Reduce your electricity bills
- You could earn money on the electricity that you produce by selling excess energy back to the grid using the Smart Export Guarantee.
- Store excess electricity
- Cut your carbon footprint
- Low maintenance
- Invest in the future and reduce your reliance on the National Grid
Maintaining a Solar PV system
Solar PV systems don’t require much maintenance – you’ll just need to keep the panels relatively clean and make sure trees don’t begin to overshadow them.
Once fitted, your MCS certified Installer will leave written details of any maintenance checks that you should carry out from time to time to ensure everything is working properly. This should include details of the main inverter fault signals and key trouble-shooting guidance.
The panels should last 25 years or more, but the inverter is likely to need replacing some time during this period, at a cost of about £800.
I’m interested in installing Solar PV, what should I do next?
Search for an MCS certified Installer using our directory of approved installers.
MCS is a mark of quality. Using an MCS certified installer ensures that equipment meets good standards of performance and that installers are technically safe and competent.
Make a decision based on three quotes. Trust your instincts and go with a good value quote with an installer you feel you can trust. Before you sign any contract you should have received a performance assessment specific to your property.
Your home’s suitability
Visit Go Renewable to find out the renewable technologies that are suitable for your home. Powered by MCS and Energy Saving Trust, Go Renewable is a start-to-end platform allowing you to assess your home for your next renewable upgrade, book a professional home survey and compare quotes from MCS certified installers ready to install your chosen renewable technology. Get started here.
Useful links
Here are some great information sources and resources if you would like to find out more about Solar PV:
Solar Mounting
Solar Mounting
Benefits for installers
YOUR MCS COMMUNITY
Membership of MCS forms a solid base for growing your business. We provide our members with trusted and exceptional opportunities to position your business as a quality, reputable renewable energy installer at the forefront of this growing industry.
Route to Smart Export Guarantee
The Government has confirmed MCS as a route through which households can access the new Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). To be eligible, installations up to and including 50kw in size will then need to use MCS certified products, fitted by an MCS certified installer.
Compliance with insurance requirements
Many insurance companies require MCS for renewable technologies that are installed at a policyholder’s address. MCS cannot be given retrospectively and so not having MCS at the point of installation, may cause issues for your customers when they come to insure their homes.
Access to competitive finance deals
Finance companies can require MCS to enable access to their most competitive lending rates. For these organisations, MCS is seen to reduce their risk under the Consumer Credit Act.
Building Work Compliance
If doing work which involves Building Control regulations or NHBC they will ask for an MCS certificate as a way of demonstrating quality assurance. A number of planning authorities also require an MCS certificate.
PV installations still need to comply with Building Control regulations. To notify under these regulations, installers need to be registered on a Competent Persons Scheme. MCS is the only scheme to prove competence when installing renewables.
MCS certification is also a requirement to meet structural warranty requirements for LABC.
Differentiate Your Business
Let your potential customers know that you are part of a nationally recognised, quality assurance scheme, supported by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). You can use the MCS Quality Mark logo on your van, website and marketing materials.
Grow Your Business
Your business listing on the MCS database means you are visible to consumers searching for an approved, reputable Installer.
Government Supported Standards
When registering an MCS certified installation, you are making a clear statement to your customer that the work you have completed complies with the relevant MCS government-supported Standard. Use our Standards to demonstrate your commitment to quality, improve performance, reduce risk, work more sustainably or simply to stay compliant.
Consumer Protection
As an MCS approved contractor, your membership of a Consumer Code, either the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC), The Home Insulation & Energy Systems Contractors Scheme (HIES) or the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) ensures your customers are protected by a Trading Standards Institute (TSI) Approved Code of Practice.
MCS works closely with Consumer Codes to identify, expose and if necessary, remove those less reputable organisations from the MCS scheme.
Eligibility for Finance and Incentives
MCS is an eligibility requirement for incentive programmes available, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).
Benefits for Manufacturers
MCS certification assures suppliers, regulators and consumers that an independent organisation has reviewed a product’s manufacturing process and determined that the product complies with MCS specific standards for quality, reliability and performance.
MCS product certification ensures that your products are compliant with UK regulations and provides manufacturers with the opportunity to position your quality products at the forefront of this growing industry. It also means that customers can rest assured that the renewable systems they choose will deliver the results that manufacturers say they will.
Access to the UK’s small-scale renewable energy market
The vast majority of installers of renewable energy systems in UK homes and small businesses are MCS approved. MCS installers recognise the importance of adhering to MCS Standards, under which only MCS certified products can be deployed. By securing MCS certification for your product, you gain access to the UK’s largest base of small-scale renewable energy installers who under their certification, are obliged to only install MCS certified products.
Quality mark for your product
Maintaining MCS certification is a demonstration of the quality and reliability of your product through its adherence to the UK’s recognised, small-scale renewable energy Standard. The MCS certification mark is therefore a great way to instil consumer confidence in your product and can help differentiate your product from the competition.
Enabling consumer access to export tariffs and government incentives
MCS is the route through which small-scale renewable energy installations can qualify for available export tariffs or government incentives, as determined by UK legislation. For example under the government’s Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), energy suppliers with over 150,000 customers are required to provide customers with an export tariff for their surplus electricity. MCS certification is a qualification requirement under SEG. Energy suppliers are provided with direct access to the MCS Installations Database (MID), so that they can validate whether a customer’s renewable energy system has been installed by an MCS approved installer, using MCS certified products.
Product Directory Listing
Market your product range direct to a captive audience of active Installers via our online Product Directory.
The Government has confirmed MCS as a route through which households can access the new Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Under this guarantee, homeowners are paid for every unit of electricity they feed back into the grid from their solar panels.
To be eligible, installations up to and including 50kw in size will then need to use MCS certified products, fitted by an MCS certified installer.
Find out more information about SEG, including eligibility requirements and how much consumers can earn by visiting the Government website.
Installers can download an information leaflet about SEG to distribute to homeowners.
The ‘MCS certified’ certification mark and approved logo may only be used by those licensed to do so.
If you are an MCS certified Installer or a Manufacturer with MCS certified products, you will receive an MCS brand pack, including logos, from your Certification Body upon successful completion of the certification process and signing of the Licence Agreement. Compliance with brand guidelines is part of this agreement. MCS will take action against any misuse of the scheme’s logo and certification mark.
Please report any unauthorised use of the MCS branding to our Compliance Team.
Our commitment to comply with MCS Standards is strong.
We work to build and maintain trust and credibility with our member, customers and other stakeholders.
We have a team dealing with reports of compliance violations and fraud incidents. Please email any compliance related concerns to: mcshelpdesk@mcscertified.com
HELPDESK
If you need guidance with using the MID, assistance with Standards or Scheme documents or support with becoming MCS certified, our dedicated MCS Helpdesk Team would be happy to help answer any questions you have.
Call the Helpdesk on: 0333 103 8130
or see other ways of contacting us.
HELP WITH TECHNICAL QUERIES
Our Scheme Support Service can provide technical support and guidance on how to comply with MCS requirements.
If you would like to request assistance from MCS with a query, please complete our Technical Query Form