MCS scheme, where innovation meet sustainability

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), is a program that provides certification and quality assurance for small-scale renewable energy systems. It was established in the United Kingdom and is widely recognized as a benchmark for the microgeneration industry.

BSI offers combined MCS and BSI Kitemark Certification for Microgeneration products used to produce electricity and heat from renewable sources. This combined certification scheme gives a mark of quality and trust which demonstrates to consumers that companies offer the highest quality products.

Solar Thermal Collectors (MCS 004)

This scheme applies to both "on-roof" and "roof integrated" thermal solar collectors. Generally, compliance with the MCS rules is demonstrated by ensuring the products:

• Comply with BS EN 12975-1 (Thermal solar systems and components) and/or BS EN 12976-1 (Thermal solar systems and components. Factory made systems)
• Comply with additional weather-proofing requirements for roof integrated systems
• Are manufactured under a documented factory production control system.

In addition to the requirements for the solar thermal collectors, BSI can also offer certification of pitched roof kits against MCS 012 to ensure that fixing kits for solar collectors have adequate wind resistance, fire rating and weather resistance.

Solar Photovoltaic Modules (MCS 005)

This scheme applies to both "on-roof" and "roof integrated" solar photovoltaic modules. Generally, compliance with the MCS rules is demonstrated by ensuring the products:

• Comply with BS EN 61215-1 - Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules. Design qualifications and type approval. Test requirements.
• Comply with BS EN 61215-2 - Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules. Design qualification and type approval. Test requirements
• Comply with additional weather-proofing requirements for roof integrated systems
• Are manufactured under a documented factory production control system.

In addition to the requirements for the solar photovoltaic modules, BSI can also offer certification of pitched roof kits against MCS 012 to ensure that fixing kits for PV modules have adequate wind resistance, force rating, and weather resistance.

We are also able to provide certification for Bespoke Building Integrated Photovoltaic Products (MCS 017), where we can ensure compliance with BS EN 61215.

Micro and Small Wind Turbines (MCS 006)

This scheme applies to small-scale wind turbines (with rates electrical output not exceeding 50kW at 11.0ms-1). Generally, compliance with the MCS rules is demonstrated by ensuring they meet the requirements of the "Renewable UK Wind Turbine Standard" covering:

• BS EN 61400-2 (Design requirements for small wind turbines)
• BS EN 61400-12 (Power performance measurements of electricity producing wind turbines)
• BS EN 61400-11 (Wind turbines Acoustic noise measurement techniques).

Heat Pumps (MCS 007)

This scheme applies to most types of heat pump (air/air, ground/air, air/water, ground/water etc). Generally, compliance with the MCS rules is demonstrated by ensuring that heat pumps:

• Comply with BS EN 14511: Parts 1-4 (Air-conditioners, liquid chilling packages and heat pumps with electrically driven compressors for space heating and cooling)
• Have Coefficient of Performance that exceed the minimum specified in Clause 7 for the type of heat pump
• Are manufactured under a documented factory production control system
• Comply with BS EN 14825 to calculate the seasonal coefficient of performance (ScoP).

Solid Biomass Fired Heating Systems (MCS 008)

This scheme applies to solid biomass fired heating appliance with nominal heat output up to 45 kW. Generally, compliance with the MCS rules is demonstrated by ensuring the products:

• Comply with all "UKCA marking" regulations that apply to the product design
• Comply with one of the following standards as relevant to the design:
  • BS EN 13240 (Room heaters fired by solid fuels)
  • BS EN 14785 (Residential space heating appliances fired by wood pellets)
  • BS EN 12809 (Residential independent boilers fired by solid fuel)
  • BS EN 303-5 (Heating boilers for solid fuel up to 500kW)
• Achieve the efficiency levels given in Clause 7.1 (relevant to the design)
• Meet the carbon monoxide and particulate emissions limit given in Clause 7.2
• Are manufactured under a documented factory production control system.

Micro Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Units

This scheme applies to small-scale (<50kW) CHP units intended to be used in a single dwelling and covers both heat-led (MCS 014) and electricity-led (MCS 015) designs. Covers products fuelled by natural gas, LPG, hydrogen, heating oil, bio-oils etc.

Generally, compliance with the MCS rules is demonstrated by ensuring the products:

• Comply with all "UKCA marking" regulations that apply to the product design
• Comply with G83/1 (for connection to the UK electricity network) 
• Achieve certain emissions levels when measured in accordance with PAS 67
• Have noise emissions that comply with BS EN 15036-1
• Are manufactured under a documented factory production control system.