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Your Renewable Installation

MCS

Your renewable installation

It’s important you feel supported in your renewable journey –  find the information you need on what you can expect when using an MCS certified installer.

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Investing in renewable technology

Step 1: Choose your installer

Once you have identified the technology that you are installing into your home, you need to look for an installer. You should always look for the MCS certified mark for reassurance that your installer is certified.

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Step 2: Get multiple quotes

You should always aim to get at least three quotes for your installation so that you can be more confident in the cost and timescale for the installation. Consider aspects such as whether the whole job will be managed for you, or whether you need to manage other contractors like electricians and plumbers. 

It’s also important to check if the prices cover everything you need, including the removal of old technology e.g. your gas boiler. You also need to ensure the prices cover commissioning the system to confirm they are fit for purpose.

Step 3: Check planning permissions and building warrants

Installing certain renewable energy technologies, such as solar heating, solar panels and biomass boilers, has been made a lot simpler thanks to Permitted Development Rights. This is because it has lifted the requirements for planning permission for most domestic technologies.

However, depending on where you live, the kind of property and the type of installation, you may need to get planning permission or a building warrant. If your home is a listed building you will almost certainly require consent from your local authority.

Make sure you have the right permissions in place before beginning installation. Your MCS certified installer will be able to provide advice on this. You should always check with your local planning department to find out if planning permission or building warrants are required. 

Useful links for Planning Permission:

The UK Planning Portal’s interactive house provides an overview of planning permission and building regulations for householders.

The UK Planning Portal’s Greener Homes section, which is supported by the Energy Saving Trust, can also assist as an informal guide to planning.

Step 4: Check if you qualify for funding

There are a range of grants and incentives to provide financial support for installing renewable technologies. To see if your installation is eligible for financial support, take a look at our grants and incentives page.

View consumer grants and incentives

Your protection

Using an MCS certified installer gives you protection if something were to go wrong. For more information on what to do if things do go wrong, follow the button below.

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Energy performance certificates

All domestic and commercial buildings in the UK available to buy or rent must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). If you own a home, getting an energy performance survey done could help you identify ways to save money on your energy bills and improve the comfort of your home.

EPCs tell you how energy efficient a building is and give it a rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). EPCs outline the linked costs for heating and lighting, and what its carbon dioxide emissions are likely to be. The EPC will also state what the energy-efficiency rating could be if improvements are made, and highlights cost-effective ways to achieve a better rating.

EPCs are valid for 10 years from when issued.

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