At GTEC, we’re big fans of facts, fair play and flipping the script when needed, especially when it comes to opening up opportunities for installers across the UK.
For years, it’s been widely assumed (wrongly, as it turns out) that the only route to Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments for solar PV installations was through MCS certification. Energy companies, customers, and even many installers have all been led to believe that without MCS, you’re out of the game.
But we challenged that, and won.
💡 The Game Changer: ISO/IEC 17065
In a recent real-world test of policy and persistence, through our MD Griff Thomas, we engaged directly with one of the UK’s Big Six energy companies on this exact issue.
Griff’s solar installation wasn’t certified under the MCS scheme, however it WAS installed by a contractor certified under an electrical Competent Persons Scheme (CPS) that is approved by UKAS under ISO/IEC 17065:2012, in this case NAPIT but many CPS providers have an electrical scheme which would give the same results.
Initially, he was told no—no MCS, no SEG.
But here’s the catch, an insane amount of detail that most consumers or installers wouldn’t read.
Clause 1.12 states that:
“applicants will be asked to demonstrate that their installation and installer are suitably certified”
And then talks about a MCS certificate but most people stop reading there when the really important clause is clause 1.13 which states:
“If you do not have an MCS certificate, your installation and installer should be accredited in accordance with EN 45011 or EN ISO/IEC 17065:2012.”
And the guidance for energy suppliers directly aligns with this as their clause 4.7 states:
“The SLCs define an equivalent scheme as a scheme accredited in accordance with EN 45011 or EN ISO/IEC 17065:2012.”
Which gives the energy suppliers and small scale generator owners options.
Our installer’s ISO/IEC 17065 scheme, recognised under the Building Regulations, “is suitable”.
That’s a fact backed by UKAS, and it’s time this becomes more widely known so it doesn’t hamper the growth in home grown energy. This means thousands of installers are already certified to install under SEG (even if they do not know it).
So, Griff pushed back – politely, firmly and with documentation. And guess what? They agreed and processed his SEG application without MCS.
🛠 Why This Matters for Installers
This is a major breakthrough.
It means that competent, certified installers operating under ISO/IEC 17065 schemes (like NAPIT's CPS in this case) are no longer excluded from SEG payments—so long as the certification scheme is valid and appropriate.
This opens up a new pathway for:
- - Installers who choose not to go down the MCS route
- - Small businesses looking for more accessible compliance options
- - A more open and competitive solar market, which benefits everyone
⚠️ A Note of Caution
This recognition applies specifically to the Smart Export Guarantee scheme. Other schemes, especially enhanced or government-funded initiatives may still require MCS. So, as always, check the fine print and.
🙌 Final Thoughts
This isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about making sure the UK solar market stays innovative, accessible, and fair. At GTEC, we’re proud to have led the charge on this—and we’ll keep pushing for clarity and common sense in all areas of renewables.
If you’re an installer stuck in a tangle of red tape or unsure of your options we want to let you know that we are doing what we can and let’s keep moving things forward—together.