Time from Installation to MCS

[SRE]

We've got 3 customers who have committed to buy solar and have given us a deposit but who are having other work done to get to a D rating. We could install now and just register when they've had the other work done - I seem to remember there was a time limit for doing this, any suggestions how we can get round this? I'd like to get the work done and some cash in so we don't get a bottleneck (it doesn't take much for that to happen when you're our size).

To give you an idea of timescale we have one that won't get their new boiler until July - deposit paid and another who isn't moving in until July and needs cavity wall insulation before he'll meet the D rating. The other is a new build almost at roof level but without 1st fix electrics will be the end of the the summer before that gets it's EPC and another 2 potential new builds where the shell is going up now.

 

[BruceB]

As far as I know there is no particular limit on how long an install can take. So as long as you start but do not finish and commission it, then there can be a pause. One thing to watch out for is anticipating any forthcoming rule changes that become effective by the date you commission it. For instance MCS012 in Jun 14.

 

[BruceB]

If you do commission it, the MCS site says here:
Microgeneration Certification Scheme - MCS Database
"The MCS Database is used to generate an MCS Certificate for a customer’s installation; the certificate should be generated by the installer company within 10 working days of the installation being commissioned."
You may be able to pursuade them otherwise, but personally I would just not do the commissioning.

 

[SRE]

Thanks Bruce, you're right about the MCS012 we're using approved on roof kit already but I'll need to double check the in-roof kit. Can we complete the installation so our customer benefit from the free electricity for the next couple of months but without formally commissioning? Or can we commission but not register for feed in tariff until the EPC has been completed - maybe that's a better option.

 

[BruceB]

I think my second post answers that point. You should NOT commission it formally as that starts a clock running.

 

[SRE]

Thanks Bruce - we crossed posts

 

[Gavin A]

I may be missing something, but why do you not want to issue the MCS cert?

You can issue the MCS cert, then they just have to wait to apply for the FIT, and there's no time limit on the FIT application date that I'm aware of.

 

[BruceB]

Yes, I think you are right for initial installations rather than extensions.

 

[Gavin A]

oh, erm you've just reminded me about that stupid difference for extensions. That might come back to bite me on a job we did in March.... 50kWp extension too, and I'm not sure what order we did that in. The EPC assessor was on site while we were installing.

 

[SRE]

OK, so issue the MCS and apply for the Fit when the EPC is done but that at least allows them to benefit from the sun for the next couple of months. Thanks.