Introduction to MCS and RECC
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme, better known as MCS, is a quality assurance scheme which exists to assure the quality and reliability of products and installation companies across the industry. Being MCS accredited gives consumers the confidence that companies will manufacture and/or install to an industry expected standard.
The Renewable Energy Consumer Code, or the RECC, is a consumer protection standard for businesses that provide renewable energy systems to consumers. The RECC is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and is a TrustMark Scheme Operator. The Consumer Code gives consumers peace of mind that they will receive a high standard of service before, during and after an installation.
What is MCS Accreditation?
MCS certification is a mark of quality and accredited installers will adhere to these industry standards consistently in order to maintain status. Renewable and low-carbon technologies covered by the MCS scope are solar, wind, battery, heat pumps, biomass, solar thermal and micro CHP.
Becoming an MCS certified installer
In short, to become an MCS accredited installer, there are four main categories to adhere to; Demonstrate competency, commit to demonstrating quality, commitment to customer care, and commitment to quality workmanship.
Demonstrating Competency
This stage essentially requires the identification of at least one individual within a company who is the Nominated Technical Person (NTP) for each technology you want to install. The NTP must demonstrate that they have successfully completed an MCS approved training course which is appropriate for the technology being installed. Full competency criteria can be found in the MCS 025 Standard.
Commit to demonstrating quality
This involves the business demonstrating the operation of an effective Quality Management System (QMS). A QMS should be fit for purpose and proportionate to the size of the business, whilst providing evidence of how the quality of installations is managed.
A Commitment to Customer Care
To meet these criteria, the business must be registered to a Consumer Code that is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. There are currently two approved Consumer Codes which are the RECC and the Home Insulation & Energy Systems Quality Assured Contractors Scheme (HIES).
A Commitment to Quality Workmanship
The business must apply to a Certification Body that offers MCS certification. This stage involves the Certification Body assessing company practices and they will perform an inspection of an installation site chosen by the business. A full list of Certification Bodies that provide MCS certification can be found here.
MCS Certification for Products
Product Manufacturers can obtain MCS certification for products that fall under the scope of MCS. Details of these product standards can be found here.
Products will need to be assessed and approved by a Certification Body. The assessment process will ensure the manufacturers products meet specific technical standards and that the production environment satisfies MCS requirements. Another phase will involve providing product testing results. Each product certification process will differ depending on the technology being installed.
What is RECC Accreditation?
The purpose of the RECC is for Code Members to offer high standards of consumer protection so that consumers are given the confidence to install renewable energy systems and help companies to win more business as a result. The result of this is more installations which will help to promote the renewable energy sector.
Benefits of RECC Membership to Businesses and Consumers
There are numerous benefits to becoming an RECC member which include being listed on RECC’s online consumer search tool, use of the RECC and CTSI logos which show consumers that they are a business they can trust, and access to promotional materials which explain to the consumer why they should pick an RECC certified installer. A full range of RECC member benefits can be found here.
The consumer ultimately benefits by having peace of mind that if any disputes or issues arise with their installation then they are protected. The RECC guarantees protection against poor practices and unsatisfactory products and promises access to high quality, certified renewable and low carbon technology solutions.
Success stories of how the RECC has benefitted consumers can be found here.
Conclusion
With the renewable energy sector growing at a rapid pace and with new products and innovations appearing all the time, protection for the consumer has never been more important. Consumers should actively seek out accredited renewable energy installers and manufacturers for their renewable energy projects to guarantee protection. With increasing consumer confidence, this will help to promote the sector and ultimately lead to increased uptake of renewable and low carbon technologies.
With OnGen it’s never been easier to source high quality and trustworthy renewable energy installers. Our newest service offering, OnGen Marketplace, takes the hard work out of finding the perfect installer. Installers must meet strict criteria before being listed on OnGen Marketplace; they must be MCS and RECC accredited and have a rating of 4 stars or higher on Trustpilot (or equivalent). These installers are highly responsive and are actively looking for new projects to take on. Installers are pre-filtered based on the size of the renewable energy system to be installed and your location, saving valuable time and resources.
Get in touch with the team today to see how OnGen’s services can help your organisation with its next renewable energy project.
