What Is MCS Certification?
MCS - Microgeneration Certification Scheme - is the quality and standards body for small-scale renewable energy installations in the UK, including solar panels, battery storage, heat pumps, and wind turbines. MCS certification means an installer has met independently assessed technical competency standards and follows a quality management process. Only MCS-certified installations qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) - the scheme that pays you for surplus electricity exported to the grid. Using a non-MCS installer means losing this entitlement permanently.
What MCS Certification Covers
MCS operates two related certification schemes. Installer certification means the company has demonstrated competency in designing and installing small-scale renewable systems, and follows a defined quality management process. Certified installers are audited periodically to maintain their status.
Product certification means the specific panels, inverters, or batteries used in your installation meet defined performance and safety standards. Reputable installers use MCS-certified products as a matter of course.
Together, these certifications give you confidence that the system has been designed correctly, installed to a defined standard, and uses equipment that has been independently tested.
Why It Matters for You
The practical consequences of using a non-MCS installer are significant.
You lose eligibility for the Smart Export Guarantee, which pays you for surplus solar electricity over the life of the system - potentially thousands of pounds over 20-25 years.
Some local authority schemes and council incentive programmes also require MCS certification as a condition of eligibility. Requirements change, so it is worth checking with your local council if you are aware of any schemes in your area.
Grid connection notification - informing your DNO - Distribution Network Operator, your regional electricity grid company - of the installation - is also handled more straightforwardly when the installer is MCS-certified and familiar with the process.
How to Verify an Installer
Check the MCS installer register at mcscertified.com before agreeing to any quote. Search by postcode to find certified installers in your area, or enter a company name to verify a specific installer’s current status. Do not rely on an installer’s own claim of certification - verify it on the register yourself. For more on what to look for when choosing a solar installer, see our dedicated guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does MCS certification matter?
MCS-certified installations are the only ones eligible for the Smart Export Guarantee, which pays you for surplus solar electricity exported to the grid. Non-certified installations lose this entitlement permanently - it cannot be backdated. Certification also provides assurance that the installation meets independently assessed quality standards and uses tested equipment.
How do I check if an installer is MCS certified?
Visit mcscertified.com and search by company name or postcode. The register shows currently certified installers and the technologies they are certified to install. Always verify on the register directly - do not rely solely on an installer’s own claim of certification, as certification can lapse.
What happens if I use a non-MCS installer?
You will not be eligible for the Smart Export Guarantee, which pays you for electricity exported to the grid. You may also find it harder to meet DNO notification requirements, and some council schemes may be unavailable to you. There is no way to retrospectively obtain MCS certification for a completed installation - the work would need to be carried out again by a certified installer.
Do the panels themselves need to be MCS certified?
MCS-certified installers are required to use MCS-certified products in your installation. If you are buying an installer-supplied system, this is handled automatically. If you are considering supplying your own panels, discuss this with the installer first - using non-certified products may affect the validity of the installation certificate.
Is MCS the same as RECC or HIES?
No. MCS is a quality and standards scheme focused on technical competency and product standards. RECC - Renewable Energy Consumer Code - and HIES - Home Insulation and Energy Systems - are consumer protection schemes focused on sales and contractual conduct. A reputable installer may hold both MCS certification and RECC or HIES membership, but they serve different purposes.