There are new standards set by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme that every installer of renewable energy will have to complete for every installation. Each installer will have to complete a compliance certificate to meet these new standards and this certificate is just one of several measures introduced by the MCS to help cope with the Renewable Heat Incentive released earlier in April 2014.
This blog takes a look at the new regulations and what to do if you come across any problems with your current MCS certificate.
The Compliance Certificate:
The new MCS compliance certificate will act as a helpful checklist to make sure the installation in each property meets the requirements of the MCS’s microgeneration installation standard – homeowners need this to be eligible to apply for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). Homeowners that choose to install renewable heat appliances in their home should receive a copy of this certificate at the time of installation, and homeowners will need this certificate to apply to the RHI. If you need a copy of the certificate you can find it on the MCS website under installer standards.
Other measures:
The MCS have also introduced several more measures that are intended to help the smooth running of the RHI. Here is a list of some additional procedures you must abide by as an installer of renewable heat appliances:
- Labelling: It is now mandatory that you label solar and heat pump installations.
- Annual Energy Input: MCS has introduced a new solar thermal energy calculation methodology for installers to work out the annual energy input kWh/year of a new installation.
- Competency Criteria: This new initiative is for installers who wish to develop their portfolio and gain a certification. Installers can learn how to update their skills and become certified in the scheme.
- Competency Checker Tool: This tool was designed to complement the competency criteria and allow installers to get all the training needs they need for their employees.
When did the measures come into effect?
The new requirements came into effect on March 16, 2014.
What is I have lost my certificate or my installer went out of business?
The changes to the MCS measures have caused a couple of problems for homeowners who have already installed biomass boilers, heat pumps and solar thermal in time for the RHI because they have either lost the certificate or their installer has gone out of business. They cannot apply to get the monthly payments from the RHI without the certificate. There is finally a process in place for those people who are dealing with these problems, a welcome relief for homeowners who have been trying to get a hold of their certificate.
Who is this process for?
This is for homeowners who can’t find their MCS certificate for an installation that on the day of commissioning fulfilled the following:
- Commissioned by an MCS installer;
- Installation is an MCS certified product;
- Commissioned on or after the 15 July 2009.
The MCS will only recreate certificates if the original MCS installer is no longer trading, is no longer registered with MCS or is not a member of MCS voluntarily.
What to do:
On the MCS website there is a form, declaration and disclaimer for homeowners to fill out. Along with this form you will need to provide proof of ownership of your renewable heat system. This proof can be either an invoice addressed to you, or a bank statement showing where the invoice was paid. If you bought a house with the installation already included, you will need a letter from the solicitor to say you bought the installation as part of the purchase of the home.
Where do I send this information?
This information must be sent to [email protected] or sent via post to MCS Administrator, Gemserv Limited, 10 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 3BE.
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