MCS certificates for Solar

Annoyedbyoctopus

MCS certificates are not a legal requirement and Octopus terms and conditions say you don't need one. But here is where it gets tricky. If like me you were unaware of MCS certificates, got a local company to install solar panels and a 10kw battery and were then told by your energy supplier that you need an MCS, what do you do?

The installer says you don't need one. The energy suppliers T&C says you don't need one until you try to get them to pay you for the electricity you are generating.

Then you ring MCS who say the all the certificate does is show the products meet certain standards. So if I have a list of all components fitted can I have a retrospective MCS? Er that will be a no!

Why not?

Er because we said so!

You don't need one but you can't get paid without one and you can't get one after the event. This is madness. I wonder who funds MCS which is I'm told a charity.

MeteredOut

MCS certificates don't just cover the the products, but (in theory) also ensures the installation meets the MCS standards/guidelines.

Many think its only in place as a money making exercise for those in the industry, but them's the rules.

There's plenty of people in the same position - a google will lead to hours of reading.

Are you with Octopus? Are they saying you need one?

QrizB

MCS certification also ensures the installer is a member of a consumer code, and includes an insurance-backed guarantee. Did you get this from your contractor?

Did your contractor give you a building regs certificate for the elecrrucal and structural work?

Do you have your G98 / G99 / G100 registration with your DNO?

mmmmikey

I vaguely remember reading somewhere that if the system is extended or modified in some way then it's possible to get an MCS certificate for the complete system and the associated DNO paperwork. The MCS certificate would come from an approved supplier. Perhaps someone could either confirm this or tell me not to be so ridiculous. If that's the case, maybe there's an angle there if you can find an MCS approved installer who is prepared to do a nominal upgrade and certify the installation?

Another thought - and again sorry if this is a bit vague - when I moved my export to Octopus, they didn't actually ask fpr the certificate in the end and were satisfied with paperwork I had from the DNO. IIRC the main requirement was for an export MPAN and if you already have that they don't need the MCS certificate.

Annoyedbyoctopus

MeteredOut said:

MCS certificates don't just cover the the products, but (in theory) also ensures the installation meets the MCS standards/guidelines.

Many think its only in place as a money making exercise for those in the industry, but them's the rules.

There's plenty of people in the same position - a google will lead to hours of reading.

Are you with Octopus? Are they saying you need one?

Yes Octopus are saying you need one you can't apply online without one.

debitcardmayhem

Have you or your installer notified your DNO, eg mine is https://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/low-carbon-technology-domestic/solar-and-storage-cost-time-and-what-s-involved. that should allow them to allocate you an export MPAN, which should be OK. However I  am surprised your installer didn't make you aware of the MCS, or other trade bodies, and they should give you details of the insurance that is provide fpr the installation.

Spaeleo

My roof has solar tiles fitted in 2007.  MCS say they pre-date the MSC scheme.  I never had a FIT Tarif as it asked for an MSC Certificate.  Octopus Energy say I need an MSC Certificate.  There non MSC certificate form wants to charge you money to say no.  I now have a G83 from Northern Power Grid.  They have been the only helpful people so far in this futile attempt to get onto a solar and battery friendly Tarif.  It shouldn't be this hard to go Green.

Reed_Richards

Spaeleo said:

...  It shouldn't be this hard to go Green.

I don't know, look at Richard Strawbridge (seems I can't use the contraction for his first name because it might be a rude word).  He had a TV show called "It's not easy being green".  That show lasts for two series and the next we hear of him he has a show on a different channel and now he is renovating a chateau with a different wife.  "Not easy" must have become "way too difficult".  

DougMLancs

Octopus are trialling a system where they’ll come and check over your system to check it conforms and then issue a certificate. I think it’s about £250. It was unscrupulous of your original installer not to mention that this was a problem you’d run into. Gone are the days when export payments were peanuts and installers could get away with saying it doesn’t really pay to export!

Reed_Richards

Many SEG providers still pay peanuts for export.  Even Octopus is only good for its import customers, it's 4.1p per kWh otherwise.  Shame on you, Octopus.

RoynJess

Being a retired fully qualified sparks i installed my solar energy system myself.  Top quality hybrid inverter,  batteries,  panels etc. All current regulations fully observed. Manufacturers have approved the full warranties.   
But without an MCS certificate i can't "sell" my excess surplus energy to an energy supplier. 
Yet because i also installed a bi directional smart meter,  my surplus energy automatically feeds back to the grid.  So, the grid is benefiting from my solar system,  free of cost.  Very unfair in my opinion. 
My understanding is that Octopus can perhaps retrospectively issue the necessary documentation. 
I have today contacted Octopus,  so we will see if this correct.