After years in the solar and battery installation industry, it’s clear that the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)has done a lot of good—but it’s no longer fit for purpose in its current form.
Too much focus is placed on paperwork and admin, not enough on what actually matters to customers: the quality of the work onsite.
You can install a system with poor workmanship and still pass an audit—so long as your documents are in order.
Meanwhile, professional installers who deliver high-quality work can get penalised for minor admin errors. It’s a system that rewards box-ticking over real-world standards.
Even worse, there are still companies out there blatantly flouting MCS and RECC rules, installing substandard systems, cutting corners, and undermining the trust customers place in this industry.
It’s time for a smarter approach:
- Prioritise onsite inspections over endless desk-based audits
- Streamline documentation to focus on safety, performance and compliance, not duplication
- Crack down on non-compliant operators
- And support installers with practical training that reflects modern systems and best practice
MCS has a vital role in decarbonising the UK. But to be effective, it needs to shift from a compliance scheme to a quality assurance framework.
Let’s raise the bar—where it really matters: on the roof, in the cupboard, on the wall.
I’d love to hear from other installers, inspectors, and stakeholders—what’s your experience with MCS today?
