2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March 1st

[EasyMCSLtd]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

Part of the issue her is the definition of a sub-coontractor. I use a tiler to fit the roof hooks and help me with the rails/modules fitting, but according to my assessor he's working for me so he's not a subby, even though he's self-employed in his own right. I think the difference is if it's someone working under your direct instruction (not a subby) or someone you leave to do the job while you go down the pub (subby) - but I'd be happy to see a proper definition

PJ
pj

PJ

Sometimes you need to think beyond MCS, if he falls off the roof is he employed by you or is he self employed? If he is self employed you should have (under MCS) a sub contractor agreement in place. If he is working for you he should have a contract of employment. Does he have his own public liability insurance? or will yours pay out for something he does?
Your QMS should be guiding you as to how you should deal with these situations to ensure that you are following good practice.

 

[EasyMCSLtd]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

we installed a 10KWp system in October last year but i am being asked by the customer if we meet BREEAM and CIBSE code 4 plus was the system overseen by a specialist commissioning engineer. I have told them that we are MCS/Napit registered, accredited under MCS001 and our engineers are SSEG trained by eco skies plus hold relevant 17th edition and /or elect test certs. What more do they need. Can you advise as to what BREEAM and CIBSE code 4 are and if they relevant for us to install solar PV.

Nothing under MCS for these. A 10kW system would need liason with the DNO under G59, you should work closely with them and the DNO could decide they need to be present at final commissioning. Are they asking these questions for compliance with something of their own? ISO perhaps.

 

[EasyMCSLtd]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

please explain mcs

That's a big question!
MCS is a mark of quality in the Renewables sector, if you are an MCS Certified PV Installer for instance you can issue certificates to clients to claim feed in tariffs.

You can find details on the Microgeneration Scheme website The Microgeneration Certification Scheme - Home

 

[leckyant]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

Wots MCS Accreditation?
Wot else to get a job?

 

[SarahB]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

When the panels are installed, what actually needs to be tested on the roof please? I know that there are positive and negative DC connections, but will just checking the voltage of each panel (prior to mounting them on the roof) suffice, or do other things need to be checked? Thanks very much in advance.

 

[EasyMCSLtd]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

When the panels are installed, what actually needs to be tested on the roof please? I know that there are positive and negative DC connections, but will just checking the voltage of each panel (prior to mounting them on the roof) suffice, or do other things need to be checked? Thanks very much in advance.

Sarah

I'm here more for the paperwork side than the technical, but you are required to complete a PV Array Test report along with a PV Installation Checklist. You can find the layout for these in the DTI Guide to PV in Buildings, which is the "bible" for the technical side. both these documents would be given to the customer in the Handover Pack and a copy kept for the Contract File.

 

[sptrotter67]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

Sarah

I'm here more for the paperwork side than the technical, but you are required to complete a PV Array Test report along with a PV Installation Checklist. You can find the layout for these in the DTI Guide to PV in Buildings, which is the "bible" for the technical side. both these documents would be given to the customer in the Handover Pack and a copy kept for the Contract File.

That's what we do, it seems the persons involved don't know what they're talking about, even NAPIT have the following on their website, "Companies carrying out installation of microgeneration technologies must comply with the relevant Building Regulations. In addition, if installations are to attract funding under the Low Carbon Buildings Programme*, installers must be certificated under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) which operates under the authority of the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)."

Thankyou for your comments

 

[balbecdaze]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

I have my MCS assessment visit booked for March, do I need to leave the scaffolding up until then? When my installation is fully tested, am I allowed to leave the system energised (i.e. AC and DC switches closed) for the few weeks until the assessment?
Thanks

 

[EasyMCSLtd]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

I have my MCS assessment visit booked for March, do I need to leave the scaffolding up until then? When my installation is fully tested, am I allowed to leave the system energised (i.e. AC and DC switches closed) for the few weeks until the assessment?
Thanks

With a normal domestic installation you don't need to leave the scaffolding in place, you should however have a step ladder and torch at hand should the assessor require one. I suggest, if you haven't already done so, that you take some photographs of the installation, eg roof penetrations etc.

You can leave the installation switched on, but remember (assuming this is under 16A per phase) that you should inform the DNO within 30 days of connecting to the grid.

 

[EasyMCSLtd]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

That's what we do, it seems the persons involved don't know what they're talking about, even NAPIT have the following on their website, "Companies carrying out installation of microgeneration technologies must comply with the relevant Building Regulations. In addition, if installations are to attract funding under the Low Carbon Buildings Programme*, installers must be certificated under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) which operates under the authority of the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)."

Thankyou for your comments

Is this more to do with informing Building Control? Remember that in most cases a PV Installation is treated by Building Control as an electrical job. However, there are structural issues involved and this can cause problems. If you have a particular sticking point, give me a call and I'll see if I can help.

 

[JohnnyK-UK]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

Hi,
I have had a 4.0 kwp PV system installed by an MCS installer last October. All appears to be running well & I've recently received my first modest FIT payment. I'm just a domestic user, not an installer.
Would you tell me please, whether my PV system ever needs to be inspected or have some sort of audit by the MCS or other elevant authority? If so do a get some sort of written notification of such?
Thank you in anticipation of your answer.
JohnnyK.

 

[EasyMCSLtd]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

Hi,
I have had a 4.0 kwp PV system installed by an MCS installer last October. All appears to be running well & I've recently received my first modest FIT payment. I'm just a domestic user, not an installer.
Would you tell me please, whether my PV system ever needs to be inspected or have some sort of audit by the MCS or other elevant authority? If so do a get some sort of written notification of such?
Thank you in anticipation of your answer.
JohnnyK.

Johnny

It is possible that the installation may be chosen to be looked at either at re assessment or on an MCS Spotcheck. You would normally be contacted and a convenient day and time arranged.

 

[robassais]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

I have completed a NICEIC solar installer course and passed it cost me £660 seems the next stage is to pay easy mcs £500+ for some QMS paperwork it would save me time and money if you could just post a QMS as a downloadable pdf I can then adapt it to suit my business plan. Thanks Rob PS thanks for all your help

 

[EasyMCSLtd]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

I have completed a NICEIC solar installer course and passed it cost me £660 seems the next stage is to pay easy mcs £500+ for some QMS paperwork it would save me time and money if you could just post a QMS as a downloadable pdf I can then adapt it to suit my business plan. Thanks Rob PS thanks for all your help

Rob

There's more to passing than the QMS. The assessor will need to see evidence that you are operating to it. If you need us give us a call.

 

[sbrown2]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

Can I ask for advice relating to the Green Deal and prospects for increased business. Being an accredited heatpump installer and having had recent setbacks I am looking to increase the prospects for my company. I suspect the role of the energy assessors could be important and I would like to know whether this would benefit my company. I am looking to increase services we provide as per the green deal list on the NAPIT website. Any advice would be appreciated

Regards

sbrown2