2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March 1st

[EasyMCSLtd]

For 2 weeks our Head MCS Mentor will be discussing MCS Accreditation, what's involved, common fears and misconceptions, and for those who have already achieved MCS, the importance of maintaining it, spot checks and your annual audit.

Feel free to ask as many questions as you like.

Looking forward to your questions.

Easy MCS Ltd
Easy MCS Ltd | The Award Winning - MCS Accreditation & Renewable Training Specialists
0844 414 60 41

 

[babba]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

Dont you mean qms and with the latest changes I think a lot of people will be put off the hoop jumping. 2012 is going to be uphill all the way. I dont even think you can help us but if you know a couple of people looking for 4KW systems Im your man.

 

[EasyMCSLtd]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

Dont you mean qms and with the latest changes I think a lot of people will be put off the hoop jumping. 2012 is going to be uphill all the way. I dont even think you can help us but if you know a couple of people looking for 4KW systems Im your man.

Hi Babba,

Easy MCS offer support for installers through the entire MCS process from application through to assessment, this does include a bespoke quality management system but our service is much more than just the QMS element. Unfortunately we cannot help directly with lead generation although our partner 'MCS Directory' will soon be adding a tender submission button which will assist with end users uploading installation requests to local installers.

I hope this helps.

 

[sptrotter67]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

we installed a 10KWp system in October last year but i am being asked by the customer if we meet BREEAM and CIBSE code 4 plus was the system overseen by a specialist commissioning engineer. I have told them that we are MCS/Napit registered, accredited under MCS001 and our engineers are SSEG trained by eco skies plus hold relevant 17th edition and /or elect test certs. What more do they need. Can you advise as to what BREEAM and CIBSE code 4 are and if they relevant for us to install solar PV.

 

[SAS]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

I am currently using a third party company to provide me with structural calculations for our installations, would it be possible to send you a copy of a report to see if you can check its eligibility and conformance with regulations for peace of mind?? If so, please provide me an email address I can send to.
Thanks

 

[adamcharvet]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

One thing I'm slightly confused about is the Insurance backed warranty - I know that ELECSA emailed round recently to say they were offering insurance for warranties against potential bankruptcy etc and that this was a requirement of compliance with MCS and REAL guidelines - my question is this - do we have to now go back over all of our installations and offer this to each client, and if so are we able to charge for this (I understand in Elecsa's case it costs around £30-40 per contract) or do we HAVE to offer it free of charge?

Thanks,

 

[Farmelectrics]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

please explain mcs

 

[EasyMCSLtd]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

I am currently using a third party company to provide me with structural calculations for our installations, would it be possible to send you a copy of a report to see if you can check its eligibility and conformance with regulations for peace of mind?? If so, please provide me an email address I can send to.
Thanks

SAS
MCS states that if you are in any doubt as to the structural suitability of the building you should consult a structural engineer. In many cases, electricians fitting Solar PV would be in doubt. Both static and wind loadings should be considered. Your report should be considering these issues and basically giving a yes or no for the proposed installation. Assessing bodies will normally accept a report from a qualified roofer, they are less likely to "be in doubt" than an electrician.

As with all things MCS, if you have commissioned a report from a company for structural advice then you should be able to justify why this company is competant to carry out that report. If you think that the information they have given you is either insufficient or possibly incorrect then you should query this with them.

 

[Phil Bennett]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

I came across a situation In November when a potential client had bought all of his own kit. He then had it installed by an electrician & roofer etc & then had a certificate issued by a third party who had not carried out any work other than certification. This I consider does not comply with REAL code of practice and MCS requirements. Any views ?

 

[elbar]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

We are a small size electrical contactors with MCS accredition for solar PV. We didn't go for your MCS pack but do you offer a package that helps to keep track of installations, etc and help us prepare for the MCS inspection (due October)?
Also, is it alegal requirement to handle all payments for PV installations to conditions set by REAL?

 

[adamcharvet]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

Not quite sure I follow you ?

Microgeneration Certification Scheme - have a look at The Microgeneration Certification Scheme - Home!

Or did you mean something else?

 

[adamcharvet]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

Re: "I came across a situation In November when a potential client had bought all of his own kit. He then had it installed by an electrician & roofer etc & then had a certificate issued by a third party who had not carried out any work other than certification. This I consider does not comply with REAL code of practice and MCS requirements. Any views ?"

As far as I'm aware, MCS guidelines differ from Part P in that an MCS accredited company CAN sign off somebody elses installation provided they are confident it HAS been done in line with the relevant guidelines, installation procedures and manufacturers recommendations etc. We were told this by our MCS assessor, in case our first installation didn't get signed off in time (we were accredited end Nov so in the end it didn't make any odds). PLease correct me if I'm wrong, easy MCS?

 

[EasyMCSLtd]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

One thing I'm slightly confused about is the Insurance backed warranty - I know that ELECSA emailed round recently to say they were offering insurance for warranties against potential bankruptcy etc and that this was a requirement of compliance with MCS and REAL guidelines - my question is this - do we have to now go back over all of our installations and offer this to each client, and if so are we able to charge for this (I understand in Elecsa's case it costs around £30-40 per contract) or do we HAVE to offer it free of charge?
Thanks,

Adam


Things have changed slightly in the last couple of weeks. Inthe past you would register any deposits or advance payments with a suitable insurance company (REAL flag up that QANW are suitable, but you can use others). This would cover the client should you go bust before fulfilling the contract. When you completed the contract you would inform the insurance company. In QANW's case, they would then contact the customer and offer them a policy to cover against you going bust during your workmanship warranty period. The customer could decide to accept or decline this offer.

Since 1st Feb this has changed. You are now required to register the advance payment and, in QANW's case, pay £26.50 to cover both the deposit and the Warranty period. You must not sell this insurance to the client or advise on its suitability, as you are not registered to do so with the FSA.


As far as I am aware, you do not need to go back on jobs you have already completed, these should have been offered the warranty at the time by the insurance company.

 

[EasyMCSLtd]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

I came across a situation In November when a potential client had bought all of his own kit. He then had it installed by an electrician & roofer etc & then had a certificate issued by a third party who had not carried out any work other than certification. This I consider does not comply with REAL code of practice and MCS requirements. Any views ?

Phil

Not a very good course of action normally, but if the Panels where approved for use, the MCS certificated installer checked on the qualifications of the installers and checked over the whole installation then it would be ok as far as control of External Contractors and Critical Works was concerned. The REAL side could be different in that if the non MCS certified roofer/electrician had entered into a contract with a private client this would not be acceptable post December 2011. As you say this was in November, then it may be ok providing the MCS Certificate holder has carried out his responsibilities.

 

[EasyMCSLtd]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

We are a small size electrical contactors with MCS accredition for solar PV. We didn't go for your MCS pack but do you offer a package that helps to keep track of installations, etc and help us prepare for the MCS inspection (due October)?
Also, is it alegal requirement to handle all payments for PV installations to conditions set by REAL?

Elbar

We do offer an ongoing support service and can keep you up to date with all MCS and REAL requirements, as well as helping with spot checks and audits. If you need further details give me a call.

It may or may not be a "Legal Requirement" to comply with REAL, it depends on the situation. For instance, with doorstep selling the client should be given a 7 day cooling off period by law. REAL goes beyond this and insists on a 7 Working Day Cooling Off period for all domestic contracts.

Remember though that REAL are only concerned with domestic work, they do not stipulate what you should do in commercial circumstances. REAL say that you should not take more than 25% deposit from a private client, if this was commercial you could ask for the whole lot up front if you wanted to.

 

[EasyMCSLtd]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

Part of the issue her is the definition of a sub-coontractor. I use a tiler to fit the roof hooks and help me with the rails/modules fitting, but according to my assessor he's working for me so he's not a subby, even though he's self-employed in his own right. I think the difference is if it's someone working under your direct instruction (not a subby) or someone you leave to do the job while you go down the pub (subby) - but I'd be happy to see a proper definition

PJ
pj

PJ

Sometimes you need to think beyond MCS, if he falls off the roof is he employed by you or is he self employed? If he is self employed you should have (under MCS) a sub contractor agreement in place. If he is working for you he should have a contract of employment. Does he have his own public liability insurance? or will yours pay out for something he does?
Your QMS should be guiding you as to how you should deal with these situations to ensure that you are following good practice.

 

[EasyMCSLtd]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

we installed a 10KWp system in October last year but i am being asked by the customer if we meet BREEAM and CIBSE code 4 plus was the system overseen by a specialist commissioning engineer. I have told them that we are MCS/Napit registered, accredited under MCS001 and our engineers are SSEG trained by eco skies plus hold relevant 17th edition and /or elect test certs. What more do they need. Can you advise as to what BREEAM and CIBSE code 4 are and if they relevant for us to install solar PV.

Nothing under MCS for these. A 10kW system would need liason with the DNO under G59, you should work closely with them and the DNO could decide they need to be present at final commissioning. Are they asking these questions for compliance with something of their own? ISO perhaps.

 

[EasyMCSLtd]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

please explain mcs

That's a big question!
MCS is a mark of quality in the Renewables sector, if you are an MCS Certified PV Installer for instance you can issue certificates to clients to claim feed in tariffs.

You can find details on the Microgeneration Scheme website The Microgeneration Certification Scheme - Home

 

[leckyant]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

Wots MCS Accreditation?
Wot else to get a job?

 

[SarahB]

Re: 2 Weeks of MCS Accreditation Talk - Gaining MCS & Maintaining MCS - Expires March

When the panels are installed, what actually needs to be tested on the roof please? I know that there are positive and negative DC connections, but will just checking the voltage of each panel (prior to mounting them on the roof) suffice, or do other things need to be checked? Thanks very much in advance.