Updated: Government to ramp up microgen quality mark

Horror stories about businesses installing rooftop wind turbines that fail to turn and solar panels that end up pointing the wrong way could become a thing of the past under new plans for an expanded microgeneration quality accreditation scheme, outlined by the government today.

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme was launched two years ago to provide an independent quality label for microgeneration technology manufacturers and installers that adhere to best practices designed to ensure they do not "over-sell" their products and services.

Following a successful pilot that has seen nearly 450 installation firms and 30 product manufacturers register for the quality mark, the government said today that it is seeking to expand the scheme and is looking for additional certification providers to operate the scheme.

The initial phase of the scheme was managed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), but with the company's contract due to expire in September, the government is seeking a new administrator for the scheme, as well as a number of additional certification providers that will join BRE in accrediting microgeneration firms.

A spokeswoman for the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform said the appointment of additional accreditation providers was intended to help drive adoption of the label as the microgeneration market continues to grow.

The move was welcomed by Charles Bradshaw-Smith, head of innovation at energy giant E.ON and an industry representative on the MCS Steering Group, who argued that the wider adoption of best practice standards should help installers and manufacturers reduce costs, while also helping to protect consumers.

Firms wishing to attain the MCS label are required to subject themselves to an independent assessment of both their own operations and their products working onsite. The assessors review their policies and practices governing customer contracts, product design, quality control, installation and after-sales care to ensure best practices are being followed.

The MCS label covers solar technologies, micro wind turbines, heat pumps and biomass generators, and according to BRE work, is underway to finalise standards for combined heat and power systems, fuel cells and hydro turbines.

Virginia Graham, head of the Real Assurance Scheme at the Renewable Energy Association (REA), welcomed the government's plans to expand the labelling initiative, adding that there was a need for microgeneration firms to be subject to third-party audits.

"There is a need for high standards as some people are being taken for a ride," she said. "It is certainly not the case with the majority of operators, but there are some rogue companies out there and I've seen some terrible cases come across my desk."

She added that some unscrupulous operators were particularly guilty of targeting recently retired individuals who have access to capital and tend to be concerned about the environment and energy bills with over priced or poorly installed products. "There is a need for the industry to be vigilant," she said.