Umbrella Schemes

An Umbrella Scheme provides a structured framework to support multiple small-scale renewable energy projects. It simplifies funding, administration, and compliance, making it easier for smaller projects to gain approvals and financial support.

Umbrella Schemes are operated by MCS certified contractors who typically complete the design and commissioning of a new system but subcontract all, or some of, the installation. 

Umbrella Schemes operated by an MCS certified contractor are required to comply with MCS Standards and Scheme requirements.  

You can check steps 1 -3 via the MCS Find an Installer Tool. 

Customer/end-user relationships

In terms of customer contact and relations, the best Umbrella scheme operators should:

• Have a form of contractual relationship with the customer that underwrites the scheme operator’s commitment to providing an accurately specified and installed system. 
• Ensure the customer is supported throughout the whole process including providing compliant pre-sale information, appropriate system design specifications and a thorough system handover.  
• Provide a maintenance/aftercare package to the customer, defining what activity will be covered under the maintenance of the system and the schedule of maintenance checks. 
• Provide ongoing guidance to customers during and post installation, with dedicated phone lines for homeowners to call if they have any technical issues or queries. Best practice scheme operators provide customers with access to adequately skilled engineers, available to offer support with maintenance and technical faults. 
• Seek customer feedback as to their satisfaction with their installed system, resolving any snags, issues or concerns the customer has about the system in a timely fashion. 

Sub-contractor relationships  

In terms of engagement and relations with sub-contractors, the best Umbrella Scheme operators should:

• Have a contractual relationship with appointed subcontractors, to ensure accountability and detail areas of responsibility.  
• Ensure and maintain records that show that the sub-contractor completing the installation has received appropriate training and has the competency required.
• Maintain a long-term partnership. The best umbrella scheme operators nurture their network of sub-contractors, offering training, onsite support, and technical guidance.  
• Help sub-contractors work towards MCS certification if it is appropriate and feasible for their business. Umbrella scheme operators that promote the aim of achieving MCS certification for their sub-contractors offer the clearest evidence of the pursuit of quality installations for customers, delivered by qualified and certified sub-contractors. 

Design, installation & commissioning process   

In terms of the design and installation of a system, the best umbrella scheme operators should:   

• Procure high-quality products and materials to be installed that are in accordance with the system’s design. Best practice involves sharing with the customer the appropriateness of a system’s components to best meet the design. 
• Project manage the entirety of the system’s delivery from end to end and take an active role in the oversight of the installation. 
• Umbrella scheme operators are expected to implement appropriate supervision of their sub-contractors.  
• Be present for the commissioning of the system, to ensure an MCS compliant installation is handed over to the customer, that aligns with the design of the system. 
• Ensure sub-contractors are available at the point of commissioning to rectify any issues with the installed system.   

Feedback

MCS is open to further feedback as to the operation of Umbrella Schemes. If you wish to provide further feedback, please email the MCS Secretariat.