OK so had out inspection last week. Previously would also have said NAPIT, now not so sure.
So in 6 years we've had 5 different Napit 'Inspectors', this one was a jobsworth to the nth degree.
e.g new build house, NONE of the electrics our responsibility got a non-conformity because I couldn't produce the EIC for the dedicated inverter spur that we didn't install...... despite pictures / photos and having the string diagram.....showing it to be compliant with the requiremnts - oh and got into the discussion over the double pole MCB as well - he didn't like that - wanted to see a second rotary isolator...
In 6 years had 4 years of no non-cons, 1 last year and 6 this year, the one above, plus
1) New build MCS sunpath says no shading, 3D model in PVSOl says 2%, so my quote says 2% he says ilve given it more prominence than the MCS proces..... wants to see an amended quote and handover docs with the HIGHER (and therefore wrong) MCS figures in
2) My Biomass quote said "the system has been designed to meet 100% of the heat load requirements of the property" and goes on to list boiler, DHW cylnder, controls etc, and he say i have to say "100% of the Annual Space Heating demand and 100% of the Domestic Hot Water requirments.." (or whatever the designed percentage was)
3) My list of external documents was not complete - some of then he wanted to see weren't listed anywhere in the MCS documents.....
The others on similar note..
p.s. they dictated the sites they wanted to visit this year - previously we had suggested them.
BMW moment over, Back to the topic .....
So discussion re qualifications required going forward..
Based on timing of our inspection and qualifications, we musty comply with the new regime on 16th March 2017 - the rule is
"Earlier of 3 surveillance visits or 16th March 2017 for entire scope of certification" (MCS 025)
What he said was:
EVERYONE working on a job must have the appropriate qualifications, so a team doing PV, roofer isn't allowed to run DC cables or handle a panels unless got the appropriate PV qualification, and electrician not allowed to wire a heat pump unless got the heat pump qualifications...
WT**....
He also said that they (NAPIT) were going to ignore the MCS Scheme Criteria Matrix Issue 2.0 as it was unworkable and that they were simply working to the Government's Competent Persons Scheme requirements' (NAPIT operate a CPS for all of the MCS technologies)
Competent person scheme - current schemes and how schemes are authorised - GOV.UK - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/competent-person-scheme-current-schemes-and-how-schemes-are-authorised#minimum-technical-competence-mtc-requirements-for-competent-person-schemes
from here:
Competent person scheme - current schemes and how schemes are authorised - GOV.UK - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/competent-person-scheme-current-schemes-and-how-schemes-are-authorised
He also said that Napit are not qualified to approve anyone on the "Experienced Worker" route for MCS - MCS asked for bodies to respond to a request for certification bodies a while ago and if I recall correctly, they only got half a dozen or so organisations putting themselves forward.
See here
Microgeneration Certification Scheme - Experienced Workers Route (EWR) Pilot Programme - http://www.microgenerationcertification.org/about-us/news-and-events/341-experienced-workers-route-ewr-pilot-programme
If you try the MCS competency checker (there's no way we will use that with actual compnay name or workers names - I'm not letting MCS see that info!!! ) so create a new gmail account and use a virtual company name. (
Microgeneration Certification Scheme - Competency Criteria - http://www.cctmicrogenerationcertification.org/)
On that site it says:
"Note - A Certification Body is unable to provide consultancy services and as such will NOT be able to give the exact specification of what it requires in the form of evidence to satisfy the criteria. The company shall interpret the criteria and supply sufficient evidence to demonstrate compliance."
For the The Expereinced Works Route Consultation (EWR) MCS set up a micro site
Welcome to the Experienced Workers Route - Experienced Workers Route - http://www.experiencedworkersroute.com/
if you go here:
Search Providers - Experienced Workers Route - http://www.experiencedworkersroute.com/search-providers/
You find the following listed:
Pilot EWR Provider – Geothermique
Pilot EWR Provider – Stroma CertificationPilot EWR Provider – Stroma Certification
Pilot EWR Provider – SWAATPilot EWR Provider – SWAAT
That's it!
So bottom line, EWR not yet in operation,
Napit wont put in writing how they'll assess us going forward, just that it's our responsibility tot find out how to comply with MCS 001 / MCS 025 / MCS Scheme Criteria Matrix Issue 2.0
and for anyone trying the EWR route :
"It is expected that these individuals will have to complete a portfolio setting out how they believe that they have met the competency criteria required for the role(s) concerned. Consider utilising the Competency Checker Tool (CCT). If the portfolio is in place then proceed to evaluation by an MCS Certification Body"
So that will cost a bob or two to pull together!
