Preparing for MCS Solar Certification Changes
In 2025, the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) will rollout major overhaul, introducing new rules that will reshape how solar systems are quoted, installed and certified.
These changes will affect installers, distributors, mounting kit suppliers, and even back-office operations.
To help navigate the changes, this article breaks down what’s new, when it matters, and how to stay compliant.
What’s Changing for 2025 – 2026?
| Change | What It Means | Deadline |
| Flat-roof mounts must be certified | Only MCS 012-approved systems allowed | 10th Aug 2025 |
| Use of delisted mounting kits ends | Grace period for old stock expires | 10th Nov 2025 |
| New planning rules apply | MCS 020a is live in England | 29th May 2025 |
| Installer scheme transition | New standards roll out | Throughout 2025–2026 |
1. Updates to MCS Installer Standards
What’s being Introduced?
The new installer scheme sets a clearer standard for delivery and actively streamlines how solar installations are documented and regulated, establishing a consistent benchmark across the industry.
Key documents to be aware of:
- MIS 3002:2025 – This is the updated standard for solar PV installations. It explains how to design, install and commission systems in line with best practice.
- MCS 032 – A new requirement for the information installers must give customers before installation. This includes clear, consistent performance estimates and system details.
- Customer Commitment & Operating Requirements – These explain what responsibilities an installer has before, during and after installation, particularly around transparency and customer care.
Why it matters:
MCS-certified installers, and those working towards certification, must now adapt their processes to align with the new structure.
The current scheme remains in place during rollout, but changes begin in 2025 and continues into 2026.
✅ Tip: Start reviewing the new documents and updating internal processes now.
2. Flat Roof Mounting Systems Must Be Certified
DEADLINE: 10th August 2025
What’s required?
From 10 August 2025, any solar system installed on a flat roof must use mounting systems that are MCS 012 certified.
What’s different?
In the past, if your mounting product wasn’t MCS 012 certified, you could still install it by following certain design and safety rules – known as Clause 5.5.5. MCS is now removing that clause.
After the deadline, installers must use flat-roof kits that are officially tested and certified.
Why it matters:
This affects many popular systems currently on the market.
If you’re still using non-certified flat-roof kits, you’ll need to change over or complete all installs before the deadline.
3. Some Solar Mounting Kits Are Being Phased Out
DEADLINE: 10th November 2025
What’s happening?
Following the update to MCS 012, some mounting kits were removed from the approval list (MID).
✅ Tip: If you have these products in stock or are currently using them, check what solar mounting products are approved and act quickly to avoid disruption.
The grace period:
You can still use these kits, but only if the installation is complete and the certificate is issued before 10th November 2025. After that, they can no longer be used on MCS-certified installations.
Action for Suppliers: Check what’s on your shelves.
Action for installers: Plan and prioritise installs using these products before the cut-off.
4. New Planning Guidance for England
FROM: 29th May 2025
What’s now in effect?
England’s planning rules for MCS-certified installs changed on 29th May 2025.
This update in MCS 020a, which now reflects the latest Permitted Development Rights.
What you need to do:
- Understand the new size, height, and placement limits that determine whether you need planning permission.
- Apply these when designing and quoting jobs to avoid delays or rework.
✅ Tip: Review the MCS 020a document and build it into your site survey and design checklist.
Who This Affects
This isn’t just for on-site installers. The changes affect multiple roles:
- Installers – Must follow the new installation standards, customer documentation and use compliant products.
- Distributors/Wholesalers – Need to supply certified kits, manage stock, and help customers stay compliant.
- Designers/Sales Teams – Must quote and design based on new planning and pre-sale requirements.
- Managers/Admin – Must track deadlines, update internal systems, and avoid costly delays or invalid certificates.
Checklist:
✅ Download and review the latest MCS documents: MIS 3002:2025, MCS 032, MCS 012, MCS 020.
✅ Audit your product stock and flag any mounting systems that are affected by the phase-out.
✅ Train your team on what’s changing – especially on quoting, planning, and flat-roof installs.
✅ Update your paperwork to meet the new customer communication and documentation rules.
✅ Schedule around deadlines – don’t leave flat-roof jobs or grace-period installs too late.
Summary
These changes are all about raising standards and improving consistency, and that’s a good thing. But the deadlines are firm, and falling behind could mean invalid installations, lost time, or wasted stock.
Whether you’re on the roof, managing logistics, or quoting jobs, getting ahead of these updates now will save you headaches later.
