How to become an MCS accredited installer
With homeowners increasingly looking to renewable heating solutions to make energy efficient improvements to their properties as well as the government’s target that new homes will not include gas boilers from 2025 the demand for Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)-accredited installers is high.
What is an MCS Installation Certificate?
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme is an independent scheme that certifies microgeneration products and installers in accordance with a set of quality standards. It is designed to provide a level of protection to consumers and is viewed as a benchmark for quality assurance.
An MCS certificate is issued once an installation has been registered with MCS. This certificate must be provided as part of the homeowners application for any government funding relating to their install of renewable technology.
The guarantee of quality and the trust demonstrated to MCS customers illustrates the importance of becoming MCS certified and becoming a member of microgeneration certification scheme.
How do I become an MCS Installer?
If you are a sole trader or business for whom heat pump installations represent a small proportion of your usual business, obtaining MCS accreditation represents a significant investment in time, capital and responsibility. If you want to become MCS certified you can access the MCS website and apply directly.
However, if you would like the support of a manufacturer while you become more experienced initially, Viessmann is offering an MCS umbrella scheme called 'Viessmann Access' to allow non MCS-accredited installers who want to fit air source heat pumps, or Micro CHP, the opportunity to offer access to government funding to their customers without the commitment of MCS membership.
Access to the umbrella scheme is for Viessmann-trained installers only. To become a trained installer for the heating system of your choice, please contact Viessmann’s Training Academy:
Questions for homeowners looking for an MCS Installer
Can I apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme if my installer is not on the MCS installer Database?
Government funding such as the Boiler Ugrade Scheme, and Building Control approval can only be unlocked if the installer is on the certified MCS installer database.
How do I apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (administered by Ofgem) is installer-led and the homeowner does not need to apply for the funding. The onus is on the installer to provide a £5000 discount as part of their quotation and then claim the funding back from Ofgem.
What is the vat rate on renewable energy installations?
There is currently 0% VAT on heat pump, solar and micro CHP installations for the next five years. This initiative started in April 2022 and is scheduled to last until 2027.
What is Micro CHP?
Combined heat and power (CHP) solutions (otherwise known as cogeneration systems) generate heat and electricity simultaneously, making them highly efficient and environmentally friendly. They can operate as a supplement to central power stations, and they are also available on a smaller scale (microCHP) to use in homes and other buildings.
The Vitovalor fuel cell is Viessmann’s award-winning microCHP heating system. Part Viessmann gas boiler and part Panasonic fuel cell, this technology extracts hydrogen from your natural gas supply which is converted into electricity as well as providing heat for your home. Its efficiency rating is A++.
Homeowners installing the Vitovalor are eligible to apply for the Smart Export Guarantee.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) launched on 1 January 2020 to replace the Feed-In Tariff and is backed by the government.
Under this Government incentive energy companies will offer you tariffs for the renewable green energy you export back to the National Grid. The goal is to encourage adoption of green energy technologies.