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Redeveloped Installer Scheme

redeveloped installer scheme

MCS is changing

The redeveloped installer Scheme is based on the feedback we have received from the sector and the extensive response we received on a public consultation we ran in 2023 on the redeveloped Scheme proposals.

Throughout 2025 and into 2026, there will be a rolling transition during 2025 and 2026 as installers are moved across to the redeveloped Scheme.

Installers walking on site.

What is the redeveloped Scheme?

The changes we’re making to our Installer Scheme will help to drive quality in the renewables sector and give everyone more confidence in home-grown energy.

Consumer protection is at the heart of this. We’re overhauling how we work with installers to deliver quality installations to consumers, from centralising complaints management to introducing a brand-new document – the Customer Commitment – which outlines an installer’s responsibilities to protect consumers and adhere to consumer protection laws.

We’re also introducing a range of changes that will impact an installer’s experience with MCS. A risk-based surveillance model will determine how frequently an installer is assessed. There will also be a greater focus on ‘delivered quality’ to consumers, and crucially, MCS will now hold a direct agreement with installers through a new Installer Agreement.

Solar panels.

Redeveloped Installer Scheme Structure

The redeveloped Scheme will change the way that MCS, installers, and certification bodies interact. Ahead of transitioning over to the redeveloped Scheme, installers should familiarise themselves with the updated structure and associated documentation, which you will find in the next section.

Redeveloped Scheme Structure

Core Scheme Documents

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Installer Operating Requirements

The framework for how you’ll maintain MCS certification. It outlines the requirements and processes that you need to follow.

View here
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Customer Commitment

This outlines an installer’s responsibility to protect consumers and adhere to consumer protection laws, ensuring customers are treated fairly.

View here
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MCS Installation Standards

The technical Standards for how systems should be designed and installed. The technical requirements aren’t changing from what is contained in the MCS Installation Standards today, but they have been restructured and streamlined to be more focussed as “technical truths”.

VISIT HERE
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Pre-sale Information and System Performance Estimate Standards

The documents outline how to carry out system performance estimates and the pre-sale information that must be provided to a customer for an installation. These requirements exist today, but we’ve restructured and streamlined into their own technology-specific standards to improve clarity.

VISIT HERE

Key changes

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New Scheme documents, Standards and revised MCS Installation Standards.

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Consumer Code membership no longer mandatory.

Introduction of centralised complaints management.

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Installers will need to purchase an approved MCS financial protection product for their customers.

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The current Nominee will be replaced by a Main Contact.

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The current Nominated Technical Person role will be replaced by an appropriate Technical Supervisor for every installation.

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Certificate creation windows will be 30 days instead of 14 days.

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New Installer Agreement held direct with MCS, that installers will need to operate under.

What's next?

We’re working closely with our Certification Bodies to help them get them ready to deliver the redeveloped installer Scheme.

Installer carrying materials.

MCS consultation outcome – Proposed changes to MCS requirements for financial protection

19th August 2025

Read Full Article
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Join our FAQ session on the Redeveloped Installer Scheme with Installer

7th May 2025

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Homeowner and installer talking at doorway.

MCS launches financial protection consultation

25th April 2025

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Update on the Redevelopment of MCS

27th November 2024

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Ian Rippin, MCS CEO, laughing.

Consumer Protection Panel: a critical friend to MCS

30th July 2024

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An open letter from our CEO – redevelopment of MCS

3rd June 2024

Read Full Article
MCS CEO, Ian Rippin headshot.