Elecsa microgeneration scheme is UKAS approved

The Elecsa Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) has been UKAS accredited for a range of renewable technologies and it has already certificated the first applicants on the scheme.

Elecsa can offer certification for installation of wind, biomass, solar thermal, solar photovoltaic and heat pump technologies. It charges £530 to be assessed for a single technology, or £630 for two technologies. For an additional £100, applicants can also be assessed for the Elecsa Part P scheme at the same time.

MCS is a government-licensed scheme supported by industry and other stakeholders to encourage the installation of renewable technologies in domestic properties, by guaranteeing that microgeneration products and installers who carry the mark meet robust quality standards. Through the government’s Low Carbon Buildings Programme scheme, MCS gives consumers access to grants up to £2,500 towards the cost of installing certified products by a certified installer.

Elecsa certification director, Chris Beedel, said: “Elecsa already runs the second largest Part P registration scheme for electrical contractors, and is backed by the Electrical Contractors’ Association. We will be using our experience of that market to bring a straightforward approach to certification for renewables.”

The launch of the scheme has been welcomed by David Matthews, chief executive of the Solar Trade Association. He said: “This is a significant step forward for the building integrated renewable energy industry. The Elecsa brand already has a good reputation in the electrical contracting market, and its services will offer members of the STA a high quality choice in obtaining MCS certification.”

The MCS scheme is backed by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), and is designed to ensure quality and reliability in the fast growing microgeneration industry. The government also hopes that encouraging the use of renewables will cut down the UK’s dependency on fossil fuels, and reduce carbon emissions.

Gideon Richards, the new chair of the MCS Steering Group said: “With the recent launch of the government’s new Renewable Energy Strategy, MCS will bring on quality assured products and installers that consumers can trust. MCS aims to be the mark of consumer confidence for microgeneration technologies and installers in the UK and possibly beyond.”