MCS certification explained What is an MCS certificate?
An MCS certificate shows your solar system was designed, installed and commissioned to the industry standard, using certified products. You need it to be paid for the electricity you export, and you'll want it when you sell your home. We're MCS certified, and every home system we fit comes with one.
What MCS is
MCS is the UK's quality mark for small-scale renewable energy, including solar panels and batteries. It certifies products, installers and individual installations. It was set up by the government in 2006 and has been overseen since 2018 by The MCS Foundation, a charity.
Solar installations follow the MCS standard MIS 3002, which covers design, checking the roof structure, building regulations, notifying the network operator, and fitting a meter that records what the system generates.
Why the certificate matters
- Export payments. For systems up to 50 kW, the Smart Export Guarantee requires both the installation and the installer to be MCS (or equivalent) certified.
- Grants and loans. The Warm Homes grant and loan schemes require MCS certified installers.
- Selling your home. It's the clearest evidence a system was installed properly. Keep it with your house documents.
- Peace of mind. MCS installers work to a set standard, and there's a route to resolve problems if something goes wrong.
MCS certification isn't a legal requirement to install solar panels, but without it you lose the benefits above.
When you get it
Your installer registers the installation and issues the certificate, normally within 10 days of the system being commissioned. You'll also get an electrical safety (Building Regulations) certificate within 30 days.
If you've lost it
- Ask your installer for a copy first.
- If they've closed or can't help, MCS can supply a copy to the current owner of the property, for £30 plus VAT (£36).
If something goes wrong
Raise it with your installer first. If that doesn't resolve it, you can take it to MCS, and then to free alternative dispute resolution through the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman for installers in the current MCS scheme. Contracts signed before 2025 may use a consumer code's route instead, such as RECC or HIES.
Checking an installer? Search for them on the MCS website before you sign, and ask for their certification number.
Questions people ask
What is an MCS certificate for solar panels?
A certificate showing your system was installed to the MCS standard by a certified installer using certified products. It's issued normally within 10 days of commissioning.
Do I need an MCS certificate?
To get paid for exported electricity under the Smart Export Guarantee, yes. It also matters for grants, loans and selling your home.
How do I get a copy of my MCS certificate?
Ask your installer. If they can't help, MCS supplies a copy to the property's current owner for £36 including VAT.
Are you MCS certified?
Yes. Every home system we fit comes with an MCS certificate.
Does a battery get an MCS certificate?
Batteries installed under the MCS battery standard are certified too, which some grant and loan schemes require.
Read next
Sources
Figures and rules on this page were checked on 11 October 2026. Schemes, tariffs and prices change, so check the latest before you decide.
- MCS: About us, updated 3 August 2026
- MCS: MIS 3002 Solar PV installation standard, issue 1.0, January 2025
- MCS: Certificate queries, updated 20 May 2026
- Ofgem: SEG guidance for generators, December 2019, still current
- GOV.UK: Smart Export Guarantee, updated 1 October 2026
- GOV.UK: Warm Homes Loan Scheme rules, September 2026
- GOV.UK: Warm Homes: Local Grant policy guidance, July 2026
- GOV.UK: Approved Document P, electrical safety in dwellings, 2013 edition
- MCS: What to do if things go wrong, updated 7 September 2026
- RECC: Advice for consumers, checked 11 October 2026
- HIES: Home Insulation and Energy Systems, checked 11 October 2026
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Free consultation, written quote, and an MCS certificate for every home system we fit.
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