Microgeneration Certification Scheme

Getting started with solar photovoltaics

To sell, design, procure and install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system requires a mixture of skills and knowledge covering electrical and mechanical design and installation, roofing, finance and administration. Segen supply all the key items of equipment required to build a PV system, but we do not provide general training on the skills required. Detailed below however are some reading material and other resources which you may find useful to start the process of becoming an expert solar PV business.

Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)

From its inception in 2007 as a government scheme to a to an increasingly publicly recognised brand MCS continues to be a mark of quality that reassures consumers that products, installers, and their installations are of the highest standard.

To this end, MCS defines maintains and improves quality – certifying products and installers so people can have confidence in the low-carbon technology they invest in. From solar and wind, to heat pumps, biomass and battery storage, we want to inspire a new generation of home-grown energy, fit for the needs of every UK home and community.

Begin by familiarising yourself with 'The Solar PV Standard' from MCS and find out more how to become an MCS Certified Installer.

Other Certifications nad useful links:

NICEIC - THe UKs largest voluntary register of electrical businesses.

NAPIT - A Government approved and UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) membership scheme operator in the building services and fabric sector.

RECC - RECC sets out high consumer protection standards for businesses who are selling or leasing renewable energy generation systems to domestic consumers.

Feed-in Tariffs (FIT) - The Feed-in Tariffs scheme was designed by government to promote the uptake of renewable and low-carbon electricity generation. Under the scheme, householders receive payments for the electricity generated by eligible installed systems. It closed to new applicants in 2019.

Solar Panel Installation: What you need to know to work safely

This fantastic guide (link below) outlines all the things you need to consider when installing a PV system including:

• Planning
• Working at height
• Lifting
• And examples of good practise