Understanding MCS Certification for Solar and Battery Installations

If you're considering solar panels or battery storage for your home, you've likely come across the term "MCS certification." But what exactly is it, and why is it important? In this post, we’ll break down what an MCS certificate is, why you may need one, and how it applies to both solar panel and battery-only installations.

What is an MCS Certificate?

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) is a quality assurance standard for renewable energy technologies in the UK. It ensures that both the products and the installers meet high standards for performance and safety. When you install solar panels or a battery storage system, getting an MCS certificate means your installation complies with industry regulations and will be eligible for export tariffs.

MCS Certification for Solar Panels and Batteries

If you're installing a solar panel system—whether with or without a battery—you’ll need an MCS-certified installer and MCS-approved products to qualify for export payments from almost all energy suppliers. This is crucial if you want to sell excess energy back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme, which pays homeowners for the renewable electricity they export.

MCS Certification for Battery-Only Installations

If you're installing a battery storage system without solar panels, the situation is slightly different. MCS certification is still required if you want to qualify for most export tariffs. However, one notable exception is Octopus Energy, which allows non-MCS battery-only installations to export to their tariff—but with a £250 registration fee.

That means if you’re looking to install just a battery and want to export stored energy back to the grid, you have two main options:

1. Use an MCS-certified installer and battery – This will allow you to access a wider range of export tariffs from various suppliers.

2. Go with a non-MCS installation and register with Octopus Energy – You’ll need to pay the one-time £250 fee, but you can still export to their tariff.

Why MCS Certification Matters

Access to Export Tariffs – Most energy providers require an MCS certificate to allow you to sell energy back to the grid.

Quality Assurance – Ensures your installation meets industry standards for safety and performance.

Potential Home Value Increase – An MCS-certified system can add value to your property, as buyers may prefer a certified installation.

At Solar Switch, we ensure MCS-certified installations on every property. Get in touch with us today to explore your solar and battery options!