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?

Thanks for listening!!!

Any questions?

Please send your feedback:

stefanie.rief@nef.org.uk

www.nef.org.uk