MCS Data Dashboard updates to enhance analytical capabilities

The MCS Data Dashboard, which provides interactive analytics on UK renewable energy installations, will unveil new features in 2024.

The planned updates follow the platform’s launch in November 2022 and a user survey. Enhancements will include an improved interface, expanded data filters, and new metrics like certified contractor growth.

There are now almost 3,500 users registered for the MCS Data Dashboard, predominately researchers, consumers, and installers. Users access the online platform to monitor the current uptake of small-scale renewables, highlighting current and past trends, and identifying opportunities for further sector growth. Data is updated every 24 hours.

The series of updates planned for the launch of the Data Dashboard Phase 2 will include improvements to the user experience and aesthetics of the platform as well as an expansion of the data provided and how it can be filtered.

In Phase 2, users will be able to view the changes to the overall base of MCS certified contractors over time since 2008. They will also be able to view uptake of battery storage technologies, which will be added to the scope of the Data Dashboard.

Timeline sliders, which can currently be used to view changes in installation volumes and uptake for each of the technologies certified by MCS, will be updated to allow all data to be viewed by both month and year, providing more granular data for research and analysis.

Adam Padilla, MCS Scheme Analyst, said:

“The MCS Data Dashboard remains the most comprehensive repository of data on small-scale renewables in the UK and we are proud to share our data with the public completely free of charge.

“Phase 2 is the first of a planned series of iterative updates to make the Data Dashboard as useful and user friendly as possible for the thousands of people using it on a regular basis. These updates will make a tangible difference for private and public sector low-carbon researchers in the UK as well as homeowners, installers, and journalists reporting on our national progress to Net Zero.”