Welcome to BRE Global's certification scheme for microgeneration products and installers!
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is an independent scheme, supported by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, for the certification of microgeneration products and installers. MCS provides reassurance to consumers through the assessment of microgeneration products and installers against robust quality, performance and safety criteria. MCS is supported by industry, certification bodies and non-governmental groups as a prime method for making a substantial contribution to cutting the UK's dependency on fossil fuels and carbon dioxide emissions.
About the scheme
In November 2008 BRE Global successfully completed its government contract to develop the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Standards are now in place which should help to provide reassurance to consumers that both microgeneration products and installers meet robust quality and performance criteria.
Subsequently the administration of MCS was transferred to Gemserv Ltd. who were chosen for this role by the Department of Energy and Climate Change working in partnership with the MCS Steering Group.
BRE Global continues to offer UKAS accredited certification services for both installer and product approvals under MCS. For issues concerning the administration of MCS please contact Gemserv Ltd. on 020 7090 1082 or mcs@gemserv.com
MCS has replaced the product and installer registration schemes (Clear Skies and PV programme).
The aim is to:
- Help build a rapidly growing Microgeneration industry based on quality and reliability.
- Make a substantial contribution to cutting the UK's dependency on fossil fuels and its carbon dioxide emissions
- Provide consumer confidence that products and installers meet and continue to meet robust standards
- Grow the Microgeneration industry
Certification schemes for installers and for products have been launched. Both schemes are open to applications from all technology areas and currently the following may be assessed:
- Solar Heating Collectors
- Solar PV
- Small and Micro Wind
- Heat Pumps
- Biomass
- Micro Combined Heat and Power
Work is underway to finalise standards for hydro turbines, combined heat and power and fuel cell products.
Transitional Arrangements
As part of the development of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), the Clear Skies product lists were withdrawn on 31st December 2009. Transitional arrangements have been developed to support those companies who experienced legitimate difficulties in completing the Certification process. Tranisitional arrangements are administered by Gemserv and for more information please visit www.microgenerationcertification.org. BRE Global will support all of our applicants to supply Gemserv with any information they request in this respect.
Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP) Feed-In-Tariffs (FIT's) and Renewable Heat Incentives (RHI's)
MCS underpins the LCBP, and grants can potentially be made available to customers using both products and installers certified under MCS or equivalent schemes.
LCBP will be replaced by FIT's and Renewable Heat Incentives (RHI's):
- FIT's is due to commence on 1st April 2010
- RHI's is due to commence on 1st April 2011.
For more information please visit www.decc.gov.uk
Other initiatives, such as the proposed stamp duty land tax relief for new zero carbon homes, are also likely to use MCS in the future.
If you wish to apply to the Microgeneration Product Certification Scheme click here
If you wish to apply to the Microgeneration Installer Certification Scheme click here
