Microgeneration Competent Person Scheme
- Scheme background
- Scope of the Scheme
- How does it work?
- Training advice and links
- Scheme fees and application
Housing accounts for around 27% of the UK's carbon emissions. This major cause of climate change is a significant area of focus not only for environmental reasons but also because of the increasing costs of conventional energy supply.
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).
Since 2004, NAPIT have operated Competent Persons Scheme registers under licence to the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG). These schemes allow self-certification against the Building Regulations for electrical installation, heating, plumbing and ventilation. This covers all of the Building Regulations applicable to Microgeneration work.
NAPIT are currently undergoing the UKAS accreditation process which will allow the certification of installers under the MCS. By providing access to both grants and self-certification NAPIT will be providing a complete solution for the microgeneration installer in an efficient and cost effective manner.
*Note that grants must be applied for by the householder, for further information see www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk
Microgeneration is the application of renewable energy technologies on a scale small enough to apply to domestic properties, sometimes replacing conventional technology and sometimes supplementing it. The NAPIT Microgeneration Competent Persons Scheme aims to deliver approval both for Microgeneration Certification and for Building Regulations Self-Certification:
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Requirements
The schemes must consider a number of aspects associated with the delivery of a compliant installation:
- The installation company must have the skills, knowledge and practical competence to design (or evaluate a design), install and commission the technology for which they are seeking approval
- The installation company must follow good working practices for consumer protection, involving compliance with a Consumer Code of Practice which must meet the guidelines set by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) Consumer Code Approval Scheme. NAPIT are investigating whether its TrustMark Approval will meet this requirement.
- The installation company must have an appropriate management system for controlling quoting, purchasing, invoicing, complaints management, quality checking and record keeping.
Assessment
Approval is achieved by undergoing an office assessment and an on-site assessment (covering each technology type) ensuring that each of the above elements is met in compliance with the published standards (which are all available on www.microgenerationcertification.org). In carrying out the assessment NAPIT will also seek to gather evidence of compliance with the Building Regulations to allow approval for self-certification.
The assessments may result in corrective actions being set, but once all items have been resolved approval can be granted and householders using the approved installer will be able to access the grants.
Surveillance
Once an installation company is approved they will be required to continue following the rules of the scheme and will enter a surveillance programme appropriate to the scope of their approval which will monitor the ongoing compliance of work.
Certification and Listing
Approved companies will be issued with a certificate of approval detailing which technologies they can install and must also be listed on the scheme website www.microgenerationcertification.org. The DECC appointed administrator (Gemserv) will charge a fee for this, NAPIT understands that the charge will be £100 per installation company plus £10 per installation
Training to become a microgeneration installer
Many companies involved in electrical installation, or plumbing and heating work are considering developing their skills in order to enter the microgeneration sector.
NAPIT Training is able to offer training for electrical installation work associated with microgeneration technology, and suitable for Building Regulations approval. See the NAPIT Training page for further information
NAPIT does not currently offer training in microgeneration technologies. To join the NAPIT Microgeneration Competent Persons Scheme the installation company must employ, or use under contract, individuals who have the skills, knowledge, understanding and the relevant training and qualifications listed in the standards.
Some links to training providers who are active in the area of microgeneration are provided below.
To apply to join the microgeneration certification scheme you need to complete and return the Application form with payment as per the Fee Sheet. The form asks you to have read, understand and agree to comply with the Scheme Rules and the Scheme Standard MCS001, all of the required documents are available below:
Application Form (MCS/FOR/0010)
Contact NAPIT on 0870 444 1392 or via microgeneration@napit.org.uk for further information or advice.
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Training Providers
Please note that NAPIT is not responsible for the training activities of these external organisations. This list is provided without prejudice for information purposes:
Centre for Alternative Technology >>> www.cat.org.uk/shortcourses/
Construction Skills / BES >>> http://www.cskills.org
EcoSkies - Renewable Energy Training >>> www.ecoskies.com
Forestry commission >>> http://www.biomassenergycentre.org.uk
National Energy Foundation >>> www.nef.org.uk/energytraining/index.htm
Renewable Energy Association >>> www.r-e-a.net/info/links/training-links
The Plumbing Academy >>> www.solar-courses.co.uk
Government and Microgeneration Scheme Administration
Microgeneration Certification Scheme >>> http://www.microgenerationcertification.org/
Department for Energy and Climate Change >>> http://www.decc.gov.uk/
Microgeneration Grants
Low Carbon Buildings Programme >>> http://www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk/home/