MCS solar panels installers

What does MCS mean?

The solar panel industry is very ethical nowadays, but it was not always the case.

MCS accreditation is the benchmark for competent solar panels installers using accredited solar technology. You will require a full on-site inspection of your home for a quotation, simply because solar panels are not a one size fits all technology.

We all want the highest quality installation, so we need to ensure that unsatisfactory or poor performing solar companies cannot thrive and give us all a bad name! That is why the Micro Generation Certification scheme was introduced in 2009.

Solar panel installers are hero's. They tirelessly install solar panels in all conditions. I doff my cap to these skilled and hard working individuals.

Consumers guide to a quality solar installation

We are all familiar with the products that have gained lousy reputations already such as double glazing and timeshares to name just two. They are exceptionally capable products when sold and implemented properly, but the sales arena does seem to attract the wrong people that then gives that industry a poor reputation.

Here, are a few tips to help you avoid the solar panel installer from hell, and help you choose a reputable solar company for a quality solar panels installation.

1. Please ensure that your solar installer are certified for the MCS scheme. You cannot claim any feed-in tariffs including the Renewable Heat Incentives or Clean Energy Cash back schemes if they are not.

2. Please check your solar company belongs to the Renewable Energy Association (REA). The REA has codes of conduct relating to your installation and quality of products including the conduct of sales people.

3. Please ensure that the solar company surveys your home thoroughly before giving you a quote. Avoid property surveys over the phone.

4. Please do not allow any sales person to over stay for longer than you are comfortable. The REA guidelines are a maximum of 2 hours.

5. Please, if you do sign anything there and then or you part with any money/deposit, as a consumer you always have a 7 day cancellation period if for any reason you are unhappy.

This guide should help you to avoid any unpleasant experiences and help you to make a well informed decision, to install this very cost effective and worthwhile solar technology on your home.

Ask our MCS solar installers for details.

Solar installers usually come from plumbing and electrician backgrounds before training to install solar panels.

How to become a solar panel installer?

The MCS accreditation are simply put, to evaluate micro generation products and solar panel installers against strict guidelines and criteria whilst providing greater protection for consumers looking to invest in solar technologies.

To become an MCS certificated solar installer or to have products certificated under the MCS scheme you must contact MCS directly.

To get accredited, MCS solar panels installers require complete compliance with the relevant MCS standard MIS3002. The most significant of these is the guides to the installation of PV solar systems - A United Kingdom installation document that aims:

In addition, MCS is about ensuring quality control, as defined within the MCS standard MCS001 and perhaps best summed up as:

1. Say what you do (disclose written procedures for scrutiny).
2. Do what you say (follow your procedures as standard best practice).
3. Prove it (Inspections and assessments by approved MCS certification personnel).