The brains behind MCS Standards and their development
21 October 2024
MCS product and installation standards define how small-scale renewable technologies, such as solar PV and heat pumps, are tested, designed and installed. They ensure that renewable technologies are efficient, safe and installed to the highest possible quality. But who is responsible for creating and maintaining these standards?
Lucy McKenzie, Technical Manager at MCS, sheds light on the role of the MCS Technical Working Groups in helping to shape industry standards.
MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) is the UK’s quality mark for small-scale renewable energy. They set standards that allow for the certification of products, installers and their installations – giving everyone confidence to invest in renewable technologies for their home.
Standards by industry, for industry
When it comes to defining the standards, MCS uses a wide range of independent expertise and insight from across industry to make sure the requirements in our product and installation standards are relevant, rigorous, technically accurate and implemented in response to changes in market conditions and technological advancements.
The MCS Technical Working Groups are made up of more than 200 experts from across the sector, including contractors, installers, manufacturers, trade associations, certification bodies, consumer groups, educators, and independent specialists. There are a total of eight Technical Working Groups, spanning the different technologies that MCS cover (our Heat Pump Group being the largest with 40 members).
The Working Groups meet regularly and their input into the standards allows us to reflect all changes and updates in the industry, including regulations, manufacturing and installation practice and consumer impact. This ultimately boosts the reputation of the entire small-scale renewables sector, helping to deliver on the MCS mission to give everyone confidence in home-grown energy.
In the last 18 months, there have been 34 Technical Working Group meetings, totalling over 114 hours and attended by a combined 531 members. This amounts to more than 60,000 hours of volunteered expertise that strengthen the integrity of the small-scale renewable industry.
David Heath is the Independent Chair of MCS Standards, an impartial voice in the sector who provides oversight of the Working Groups and ensures the impartially of the Scheme is protected.
David believes, “MCS Standards are absolute integral to the success of small-scale renewables, as they give consumers confidence in home-grown energy which is so crucial in driving uptake.
He added, “It’s inspiring to see the enthusiasm and dedication of our members who volunteer their time and work together to drive quality in small-scale renewables forward.”
By the book
David also plays an important role in ensuring that any changes to our standards follow a formal change process.
The MCS Approval Committee underpins the integrity of MCS Standards, ensuring that any changes to our standards are properly considered, adhere to governance processes, and dependent on the type of change, incorporate feedback from industry and technical experts through public consultation. Ultimately, the MCS Approval Committee play a key role in making sure the impartiality of the Scheme is protected.
What is MCS’s role?
MCS facilitates the activity of the Technical Working Groups. We conduct research on industry developments and their potential impact and analyse updates to standards that are referenced in our documents. We also contribute to technical authoring, although drafting is sometimes led by the Working Group volunteers. All of our work is overseen by our Head of Standards, Alison Hardman.
Our Technical Working Groups work hard to maintain the technical accuracy, fairness, relevance, rigor, and currency of MCS Standards, which is essential in giving everyone confidence in renewable technologies.
The redeveloped MCS, which is set to launch in January 2025, will make MCS product and installation standards more specific to technical requirements and clearer for installers to navigate. This will continue to build confidence in renewables by ensuring quality installations as the UK moves towards cleaner and greener energy.
Visit the Standards and Tools Library here to see the scope of MCS Standards.