The Microgeneration Strategy within the UK is geared towards a rapid advance in Microgeneration of energy. It is an independent scheme that has been set up to certify microgeneration products and installers of products in accordance with consistent standards. It is important to remember that the MCS scheme relates to certification of organisations involved in the manufacture, supply and installation of products and not to the qualifications relating to the individuals involved in those organisations. However, there are competency requirements for those working for the companies that are registered through the MCS scheme and this is where training courses and appropriate qualifications become relevant.

Please click here to go the Solar Training Courses category page or click here to send a general enquiry.

The MCS scheme has been set up to evaluate microgeneration products and installers against a range of criteria, which are designed to provide greater protection for consumers.
There are five different schemes, which relate to the following technologies:
• Solar PV (Photovoltaic) Panels and Systems
• Solar Thermal Heating Systems
• Wind Turbines
• Bio-mass Heating Systems
• Heat Pump Systems

Most installers are now moving towards MCS Accreditation, as systems installed by MCS accredited installers give access to the Feed In Tariff (FIT) for renewable electricity generation and payments through Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme.

Installers wanting to apply for MCS certification need to apply to an Accredited Certification Body, of which there are a number including NICEIC, CORGI, NAPIT and others. These certification bodies are themselves accredited by UKAS (the United Kingdom Accreditation Service) to assess applicant organisations.

The greatest interest to date from installers, product suppliers and consumers is in the Solar PV technologies, and not surprisingly, the solar training courses are the most sought after.

There is a range of solar training courses, including courses for:
• Those involved in the design and commissioning of solar PV systems
• Installers of solar PV Panels
• Management team members who need to implement the QA systems to support the installation work.

It is important to remember that there are prerequisites for attending some of these solar training courses, for example, those who will be involved in the commissioning of solar PV systems need to be experienced in the design & installation of domestic single phase circuits and issuing the associated documentation and certificates. Typically eligible candidates will need to have a full understanding of the 17th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS7671 2008) and hold either an NVQ level 3 or Full Scope Part P qualification.

Also those involved in installation of systems need to be competent in manual handling and working at heights. In some instances competence in these areas will be a pre-requisite to attend a solar training course and in other instances training in these areas will be included with the training programme.