What are the MCS, RECC and HEIS accreditations.

Accreditations for solar installers for homes.

Understanding Accreditation: MCS, RECC, and HEIS in Solar PV Installations.

When investing in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, ensuring quality installation and ethical practices is crucial. Accreditation from recognised bodies provides consumers with confidence in the reliability, competence, and professionalism of solar installation companies. Three prominent accreditation bodies in the UK's solar industry are the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC), and the Home Insulation and Energy Systems (HEIS).

The MCS certified logo - a seal of approval for industry standards.

Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS):

MCS stands as a mark of quality assurance for renewable energy products and installations. It is a widely recognised scheme that certifies both installers and products in the microgeneration sector. Companies such as Solar and Battery Company.com that are accredited by MCS comply with rigorous standards, ensuring the competence and quality of their installations. Installers are assessed on an annual basis and the assessment checks that the required documentation are stored in an orderly manner, for example records of equipment used on installations has been calibrated. One install at random is also selected or the assessor to visit to ensure that all regulations have been adhered to. If any non-conformities are noted by the assessor, the installer has put them right and submit the correct evidence.

Advantages of MCS Accreditation:

• Consumer Confidence: MCS accreditation instils trust in consumers, assuring them that the installer adheres to industry best practices.

• Access to Incentives: Provides access to the Smart Export Guarantee, although some energy companies are now accepting systems that are not an MCS approved installation, signalling a move away from the previous importance of the government run scheme. However, MCS still provides that additional comfort to consumers that their installer is meeting the standards required, and a non MCS installed system can mean poor installation quality.

• Quality Assurance: MCS-certified products and installations meet high-quality and performance standards, ensuring long-term reliability.

Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC):

RECC primarily focuses on consumer protection within the renewable energy sector, including solar PV installations. It is the longest running consumer protection scheme running in the industry and is regarded as the gold standard. Installers adhering to RECC standards commit to ethical sales practices, fair contracts, and quality service delivery. It safeguards consumers' rights while promoting fair and transparent transactions. SolarandBatteryCompany.com is accredited by both MCS and RECC.

Advantages of RECC Accreditation:

We are a member of RECC, a code that protects consumers.

• Consumer Protection: RECC membership assures consumers of fair contracts, clear pricing, and high-quality installations, protecting them from unscrupulous practices.

• Dispute Resolution: The code provides a robust mechanism for resolving disputes between consumers and installers, ensuring fair resolutions.

• Code of Conduct: RECC-accredited companies follow a strict code of conduct, emphasising customer satisfaction and ethical business practices.

Home Insulation and Energy Systems (HEIS):

HEIS accreditation ensures compliance with insulation and energy efficiency standards and installers accredited by HEIS can provide energy solutions for homes.

Advantages of HEIS Accreditation:

• Holistic Approach: HEIS-accredited installers offer energy solutions of various technologies for overall energy efficiency improvements.

• Energy Savings: HEIS-accredited installations focus on maximising energy savings by combining different technologies to achieve an efficient home energy system.

Conclusion:

Accreditation from MCS, RECC, or HEIS signifies the commitment of solar PV installation companies to adhere to industry standards, ensure consumer protection, and deliver quality services. When selecting a solar installer, consumers can use these accreditations as indicators of reliability and ethical practices, and take comfort that should something go wrong there is an intermediary that you can go to for help.