New MCS Certificate

[jason121]

Just been reading about the new MCS certificate update, interesting read. Any thoughts

 

[Ian-LS]

I'm glad they have cleared up that TIC = DNC but still means companies could put the TIC and DNC as the inverter rating. Even if it shouldn't be the case, all FIT suppliers I think now ask for the number of panels and total wattage of each panel on the FIT application form so really TIC and DNC need to be the peak rating of the panels regardless of the legal nature of the definition of TIC.

I like the idea of putting the cost information into the certificate as it means DECC aren't using sample data from 10 companies to form the basis for their future policies. If pv prices increase and this is reflected in the MCS certificates over the next 3-6 months then at least DECC will have access to up to date information. Although i am not sure what it means by ' the cost does not need to cover anything other than the cost of the MCS certified product'. Do they mean we should only put in the cost of the PV panels for Solar PV?

All the other new requirements don't really bother me either way.

 

[SibertSolar]

Yep, only the panels themselves fall under MCS accreditation rules.....bit daft really but...

 

[JulianC]

Although i am not sure what it means by ' the cost does not need to cover anything other than the cost of the MCS certified product'. Do they mean we should only put in the cost of the PV panels for Solar PV?

I would hope not, since the data is being used by DECC to monitor installation costs. I would suggest it's a vaguely worded attempt to find out the cost of an MCS accredited solar PV installation. Otherwise, it's a pretty meaningless measure for DECC.

 

[Ian-LS]

I would hope not, since the data is being used by DECC to monitor installation costs. I would suggest it's a vaguely worded attempt to find out the cost of an MCS accredited solar PV installation. Otherwise, it's a pretty meaningless measure for DECC.

Then they should be more clear with their wording. You'll get some companies putting in TIC as the inverter and some as the panels then some will put the total installed cost of the system and some will just put the cost of the panels.

I'm more than happy for us to put our total installed costs down on the MCS cert if it means DECC have up to date costs.

 

[Worcester]

My discussions with the head of the MCS unit at gemserv were unambiguous and very concise.

If you install an inverter capped at 16A then the TIC = 3.68kW irrespective of the kWp of the panels.


The SSEG is the inverter (that's what has to be installed to G83 / G59 etc) the panels are purely the power source, in the same way that a pile of coal is for a coal fired power station.

 

[TedM]

Completely agree, but have MCS put that in writing and told all registered installers that that is what they should do when completing the cert?

 

[Worcester]

@TedM, nope, you need to pin them against a wall at one of the exhibitions etc they attend! :33:

 

[Ian-LS]

My discussions with the head of the MCS unit at gemserv were unambiguous and very concise.If you install an inverter capped at 16A then the TIC = 3.68kW irrespective of the kWp of the panels.The SSEG is the inverter (that's what has to be installed to G83 / G59 etc) the panels are purely the power source, in the same way that a pile of coal is for a coal fired power station.

Is this his/her opinion or MCS/gemserves position? As ofgem and decc as of may last year thought and stated TIC= panels. All fit suppliers ask for number of panels and peak wattage now so its ofgem and deccs position that tic = panels

 

[matt25]

Hi, could someone explain to me the "self certification through a CPS" within the building regs compliance section? Ive never done this before, thank you in advance