2023 a record breaking year for Microgeneration Certification Scheme

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) has broken its record for number of certified members, with more contractors having joined the scheme so far in 2023 than in the previous six years of the scheme combined.

In October, MCS certified its 4000th contractor, as the number of homeowners looking for certified installers to retrofit their homes with solar panels, heat pumps and other renewable technologies continued to grow.

This increase in the number of certified companies installing low-carbon technology suggests a rise in consumer trust in home-grown energy across the UK and reflects the growing demand for MCS certified contractors across the nation.

This year has been record-breaking for MCS: So far as the scheme has seen over 1700 new contractors becoming certified in the last 11 months, a 70% growth in the contractor base since the end of 2022.

At the end of 2022, MCS had fewer than 2000 solar PV contractors – today, it has over 3200. This growth mirrors the rapid rise in certified solar PV installations across the UK and the growing demand amongst homeowners to generate their own home-grown electricity, reducing energy bills, claiming energy independence, and decreasing their carbon footprint.

The scheme has also recorded over 200,000 certified installations of small-scale technologies in 2023. It’s been a notable year for heat pumps, with over 34,000 certified heat pump installations – more than any other year end figure in scheme history.

Ian Rippin, MCS CEO, says: “MCS is extremely proud to have certified more than 4,000 contractors. It is extremely encouraging to see our certified contractor base continuing to grow at pace in support of the ever-growing demand for small-scale renewable technologies.

“Our mission is to give people confidence in home-grown energy, and this enormous growth in our contractor base shows that UK consumers have more and more confidence every day.”

Emma Bohan, MD of MCS certified contractor IMS Heat Pumps, says: “As consumer awareness regarding renewable technology increases, it is great to see an increase in the number of installers entering the market with MCS certification to deliver quality installations.

“With continued commitment from government towards decarbonising domestic properties, I expect to see more and more contractors having the confidence in the market that is required for them to take the steps to invest in the skills needed to deliver 600,000 heat pumps by 2028.”