The Microgeneration Certification Scheme
market entry barrier or necessity for the UK market?
Stefanie Rief
The UK PV Conference
(22nd June 2010/Solarplaza)
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Content:
1. Renewable Energy in the UK
2. The Microgeneration
Certification Scheme
• What is it?
• Who is it for?
• MCS structure
• Incentives
3. Strengths
4. Potential for improvement
5. Future Prospects
Solar panels installed by Solarcentury in Stanstead, UK
1. Renewable Energy in the UK
• UK Renewable Energy market - niche market
• about 150,000 RE installations - 26 million homes
• Due to binding 2020 targets - expected rapid market growth
• number of market players increasing exponentially
• As response - UK Government has commissioned MCS
2. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme
What is it and who is it for?
• MCS is industry-led & government supported scheme
for small scale renewable manufacturers and installers
• MCS accreditation - microgeneration technology systems
have:
• Work to installation & product standards
• an appropriate QMS in place
• comply with ethical standards
2. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme
• How does it work?
ADMINISTER Gemserv
EXECUTE Certfication Bodies OVERSEE
DECC
MAINTAIN/DEVELOP Working Groups
CONTROL MCS Steering Group
MCS Assess against:
• MCS standards
• MIS standards
• OFT registered Code of Ethical Practice
2. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme
Incentives to join the scheme:
• Feed-In Tariff (FiT)
• Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
• Industry recognised standard
for their business
3. Strengths
• It helps to filter out ‘rogue traders’
• It generates consumer confidence
• It sets and raises coherent standards
• Supervisory board function
4. Potential for improvement
• Certification Bodies assessment fees differ widely and are not related to company size
• Certification Bodies interpret MCS standards differently
• Certification only up to 45 kW for heat and 50 kW for electricity
• Does good QMS ensure good installation standard?
• Rationalisation with other schemes – Trustmark & CPS?
4. Potential for improvement
5. Future Prospects
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme
market entry barrier or necessity for the UK market?