Posted: 11 December, 2019. Written by Virginia Graham
RECC has agreed to work closely with MCS on a new offer for installers of solar PV, battery storage and wind. From 1 January 2020 these installers will no longer have to pay an upfront RECC Membership Fee. Instead, RECC will benefit from part of the MCS 'per installation' fee which installers pay when they register an installation on the MCS Installation Database.
By bringing RECC and MCS membership together in this way, we aim to simplify the renewal process for our members and ensure that consumer protection remains a central element of MCS certification.
Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS, said today: "In recognition of the changing policy and subsidy landscape, we are keen to provide installers with good value for money. This offer combines the benefits of RECC and MCS membership, and puts consumer protection at its core.
"MCS Certificates will offer a route to access the Smart Export Guarantee from January 2020, and are required by many lenders and insurance providers as evidence of compliant installations."
Virginia Graham, CEO of RECC, said today: "We are delighted that this partnership will further strengthen our relationship with MCS as we work together to give consumers the confidence to invest in home-grown energy."
Solar Trade Association Chief Executive, Chris Hewett said: “The STA warmly welcomes this partnership between MCS and RECC as a way to ensure a robust and enforceable installation standards, alongside solid consumer protection. The margins for small solar businesses have invariably shrunk following the end of the FiT, so it is good to see these key industry organisations reducing costs for all those reputable installers who abide by good principles.”
RECC and MCS will pilot this new arrangement with installers who only work with electricity-generating technologies. It will not apply to those who also work with heat-generating technologies in the first instance.