Why MCS Certification Matters When Choosing Your Commercial Solar Installer

Investing in commercial solar panels is a smart way to cut energy costs and lower your business’s carbon footprint. But before you install, it’s important to check your commercial solar installer holds MCS certification.

Here we take a look at what MSC certification means and why it’s a must-have when it comes to solar panel installation.

What Is An MCS Certificate?

MCS stands for the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. It is the nationally recognised quality assurance standard for renewable energy installations, including solar PV. An MCS certificate confirms that both the products used and the installer meet rigorous industry standards for safety, performance and sustainability.

Without MCS certification, businesses risk poor-quality installations, potential safety issues and loss of access to key financial incentives.

Access To Government Schemes

One of the biggest benefits of MCS certification is eligibility for government-backed initiatives such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) which was launched in 2020 and superseded the previous Feed-in Tariff scheme.

The SEG allows businesses to be paid for exporting surplus electricity back to the grid. For an average commercial solar system, this could potentially be worth around £343 annually, though tariffs vary greatly between energy suppliers from 2p to 15p per kWh. Crucially, only installations by an MCS-certified commercial solar installer qualify for these payments. This makes certification essential not just for quality, but also for maximising financial return on investment.

Protecting Against Risk

Commercial solar is a significant investment, albeit one that pays off over the longer term in the context of reduced energy costs. MCS certification reduces the risk of substandard installations that could lead to reduced efficiency, costly repairs or even safety hazards.

Many insurers require MCS certification before providing cover for renewable systems. Without it you may have to pay higher premiums or find certain risks, such as fires caused by the system, are excluded. Choosing a certified installer therefore protects your business both financially and operationally.

Quality And Reliability

An MCS-certified commercial solar installer follows strict installation standards, ensuring your system performs efficiently over the long term. This is particularly important for businesses with high energy use, where performance and reliability directly affect operational costs. Certification also gives facilities managers and sustainability officers peace of mind that the system meets compliance and health and safety requirements.

Why It Matters For Tenders And Contracts

For construction firms, fit-out projects and facilities management, working with an MCS-certified installer can be a deciding factor in winning bids. Increasingly, clients require proof of certification as part of tender documents. Partnering with an accredited installer like AEL Electrical can strengthen your supply chain credibility and help secure long-term contracts.

How AEL Electrical Can Help

At AEL Electrical, we are proud to be fully MCS-accredited. Our team combines technical expertise with a straightforward, reliable approach that contractors, estimators and facilities managers can trust. Whether you’re reducing carbon emissions, cutting energy costs or meeting regulatory requirements, we deliver compliant, high-quality solar solutions tailored to your business.

From large construction projects to office fit-outs, our MCS certification ensures your investment is protected, reliable and profitable.

Want to know more about commercial solar panel installation and how AEL Electrical can help? Get in touch for a free quote today.

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