Our mission and our role in the renewables industry.
MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) is the UK’s quality mark for small-scale renewable energy systems like solar panels, solar heating, heat pumps, biomass, and battery storage.
We have two main roles:
Our product standards define the requirements for MCS certified low-carbon energy products, including criteria for performance and testing, technical documentation and management systems for factory production of products.
Our installation standards then define how an MCS certified installer should design and install a system, which includes the requirement for an MCS certified product to be installed. They are a benchmark for quality developed in close consultation with industry through independent technical working groups.
Consumer protection is at the heart of what we do, and MCS certified installers must meet our consumer protection requirements when working with their customers – from first enquiry through to final installation. If something goes wrong, we are here to resolve things quickly and fairly.
MCS is the quality mark for small scale renewables in the UK.
And our purpose is simple: to give everyone confidence in home-grown energy.
We want to be part of a culture of pride in our renewable resources, as we help more and more people embrace a home-grown energy future.
But we understand that making the switch to renewable energy can be a big step, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
That’s why we believe it’s so important for people to feel that sense of confidence in whatever type of home-grown energy they choose: whether it’s a heat pump, solar panels, a small wind turbine or battery storage.
That’s what MCS certification is all about.
It’s a trusted mark of quality for all of these technologies (and more); and covers products, installers and installations. It’s backed by rigorous MCS Product and Installation Standards and a commitment to compliance, quality and confidence. We work in collaboration with partners such as installers and manufacturers; as well as consumers and trade associations, to raise standards across the industry.
MCS is committed to bringing certified, quality renewable systems to every home and community, creating a greener and cleaner future for all.
And with more than 2 million MCS certified renewable energy installations already across UK homes and small businesses, we’re already making a huge difference.
Ian Rippin, CEO
To see MCS certified products and installations in every UK home and community.
To give people confidence in low-carbon energy technology by defining, maintaining and improving quality.
Giving everyone confidence in home-grown energy.
With more people investing in renewable energy to power their homes and small businesses, ensuring quality products and their installations is more important than ever. MCS certification ensures that renewable energy systems are efficient, durable and as safe as possible – giving everyone confidence in home-grown energy.
The MCS Foundation was founded to oversee the MCS standards scheme which certifies the quality of renewable energy across UK homes. Supporting this important work remains fundamental, but The MCS Foundation’s role goes further. The MCS Foundation works with partners to support innovation and accelerate the use of carbon free energy in UK homes.
The MCS Foundation has awarded over £3 million in grants to support the development of programmes addressing critical issues like retrofitting UK homes at scale, and expanding the skills-base that our sector urgently needs.
The MCS Foundation also commissions robust, independent research that informs and shapes better decision making to drive a carbon free future for all UK homes.
