Renewable Energy Installer February 2014 | Page 14

Opinion
“The future success of Green Deal will rely on a blend of Green deal fi nance and ECO
funding” Paul Joyner, Sustainable Building Solutions p29
Standard deviation
Robert Burke, HETAS, turns his attention to the changes to installer standards
recently announced by the Microgeneration Certifi cation Scheme (MCS)
T
he news that the MCS has
announced two new initiatives
brings the launch of the domestic
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
even closer. HETAS has been closely involved
with the consultation process, which has
resulted in modifi ed installer standards for the
heat technologies of biomass, solar thermal
and heat pumps, as well as a clearer path to
installer certifi cation.
The new installer standards mean
that the government can make MCS the
requirement for all customers wishing to
access the RHI when it is introduced from
Spring 2014. The changes are as a result
of consultation with MCS Working Groups
for installers which will help determine the
suitability of the installation to the relevant
MIS standard.
The other major change is a clearer path
to certifi cation in order to make it easier for
installers to become MCS certifi ed, making it
clearer how to up-skill and re-skill in response
to the introduction of the RHI. The installer
competency criteria combines experience
and training, with a framework of roles so
that installers can understand how the
criteria applies to their job function. To make
life easier, MCS will be launching an online
competency checker tool, with a framework
designed for every size and type of installer
company.
The new installer standards mean that the government
can make MCS the requirement for all customers
wishing to access the RHI
comprising of installers, manufacturers and
trade associations including HETAS. The
largest change is the addition of Compliance
Certifi cates which are designed as a checklist
14 | www.renewableenergyinstaller.co.uk
The new competency criteria will apply
from March 16 2014, which could affect
anyone with existing qualifi cations who is
advised to check with MCS as some older
courses may not meet the new criteria. The
HETAS H005 biomass installer course was
recently updated to meet the requirements
of MCS and provide a pathway to MCS
certifi cation. The course is nationally
recognised and aligned to the National
Occupational Standard derived from QCF
units. Successful candidates can register
with the HETAS competent persons scheme
for the installation of log, chip and pellet
biomass boilers, pellet stoves and associated
equipment. Importantly, for those wishing
to take advantage of the RHI, the course can
also be used as part of the criteria for approval
with HETAS as an MCS installer for biomass.
With over 90 percent of funding under
the non domestic version of RHI allocated
to biomass it is anticipated there will be
similar levels of interest from the domestic
sector. With the recent announcement by
Department of Energy and Climate Change
(DECC) that condensing biomass boilers will
be included in the domestic RHI, and with
no plans to provide RHI payments for oil or
gas installations, many installers are already
looking to add renewable technologies to their
existing skills.
As the only solid fuel and biomass
specialists, HETAS can provide MCS
approvals for both products and installers
– requirements for all RHI applications.
HETAS has already been gearing up for
the introduction of the domestic RHI and
has launched a new technical helpline,
and publishes an annual guide with lists of
approved appliances and provides regular
technical updates for installers. For further
information on MCS installer training,
certifi cation or product approvals please visit
www.hetas.co.uk.