Posted: 28 April, 2026. Written by Vanda Bell
London, 28 April 2026: Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) notes the recent update from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) regarding Consumer Code membership requirements. Following the update, installers have overwhelmingly renewed their RECC membership, reaffirming its clear value, added peace of mind and strong consumer recognition.
As the renewable energy market continues to evolve, RECC remains the trusted and established provider of consumer protection, valued by both installers and consumers alike. Membership levels remain strong, reflecting continued industry confidence in the importance of clear, consistent, and independent consumer safeguards.
While MCS certification continues to play a vital role in ensuring technical quality and installation standards, RECC’s consumer protection operates alongside this, providing established assurance around sales practices, contracts and deposits, as well as access to expert independent dispute resolution.
In a growing and increasingly complex market, it is more important than ever that consumers can easily identify where robust protections exist. Changes to requirements across the landscape may introduce a more confusing picture of consumer protection, making it less straightforward for consumers to understand what safeguards are in place and where to turn if things go wrong.
RECC continues to provide a clear, consistent and accessible framework that supports both consumers and businesses, ensuring high standards of conduct and offering proven independent redress when needed.
This commitment is further strengthened through ongoing investment in initiatives such as the Green Homes Dispute Resolution Service, designed to enhance access to fair and effective outcomes for consumers across the sector, and improve the fragmented redress landscape.
Schemes such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) continue to recognise the importance of strong consumer protection, reinforcing the role that established codes like RECC play in supporting confidence in the market.
Looking ahead, RECC’s established protections and independent redress will be integral to the development and delivery of a successful Warm Homes Plan, helping ensure households can engage with confidence, standards are upheld across the supply chain, and issues are resolved quickly and fairly when they arise.
Rebecca Robbins, Head of Compliance at Renewable Energy Assurance Limited (REAL) states:
“As the UK accelerates towards net zero, consumer trust remains fundamental. RECC will continue to work collaboratively with industry, government, and certification bodies to ensure that consumer protection remains visible, consistent, and effective. We encourage businesses across the sector to demonstrate their commitment to high standards and customer confidence by maintaining membership of our recognised Consumer Code.”
Note to Editors:
For more information or interview requests, please contact:
Vanda Bell, Commercial Manager at: vanda@recc.org.uk
About Renewable Energy Consumer Codes (RECC):
RECC was developed in 2006 to ensure that consumers who invest in renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and heat pumps, are protected. By being part of RECC, businesses demonstrate that they meet its strict standards of customer service, installation quality, and post-installation support. As the largest code of its kind, RECC is key to promoting confidence in the renewable energy sector offering consumers reassurance that the businesses they work with are trustworthy. RECC is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) under their prestigious Approved Codes Scheme. See more information here: https://www.recc.org.uk/
About Renewable Energy Assurance Limited (REAL):
Renewable Energy Assurance was founded in 2006 with a clear mission - to provide trusted, independent assurance that builds confidence across the circular economy and renewable energy sector. For nearly 20 years Renewable Energy Assurance has been a driving force in creating standards that protect consumers, promote sustainability and ensure businesses meet the highest standards. Renewable Energy Assurance has developed and launched 8 innovative schemes, each designed to address different aspects of the renewable energy industry and circular economy. These schemes have helped establish best practice, promote ethical business conduct, and give consumers confidence in their choices. By continuously evolving and adapting to new challenges and opportunities, Renewable Energy Assurance plays a crucial role in creating a more sustainable, transparent, and trustworthy marketplace. Renewable Energy Assurance Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Renewable Energy Association. See more information here: https://www.realschemes.org.uk/