Breaking the SEG Myth: ISO/IEC 17065 Opens the Door for all UK Solar Installers

Breaking the SEG Myth: ISO/IEC 17065 Opens the Door for all UK Solar Installers (With a Catch – Read On!)

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 it was NAPIT, but many CPS providers have a scheme based on the same principles.

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:

And then it talks about a MCS certificate. But most people stop reading there. The really important clause is 1.13:

And the guidance for energy suppliers aligns with this in clause 4.7:

So far, so good. But here’s the important bit: in order for a 17065 scheme to be valid for solar PV under SEG, it must include an assessment of the installer against the sector-specific Minimum Technical Competencies (MTCs) for solar PV. This is a non-negotiable part of being “suitably certified” under the regulations.

Our installer’s ISO/IEC 17065 scheme—recognised under the Building Regulations and explicitly incorporating MTC assessment for solar PV—was suitable.

That’s a fact, backed by UKAS. And it’s time this becomes more widely known, so it doesn’t hamper the growth of home-grown energy. This means thousands of installers may already be certified to install under SEG—but only if their scheme includes assessment to the MTCs.

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) are no longer automatically excluded from SEG payments—so long as the certification scheme includes assessment against the MTCs for solar PV.

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 remember: ISO/IEC 17065 certification alone isn’t enough unless it includes technical competency checks aligned with the MTCs. Not all schemes do, so do your homework before assuming you’re covered.

🙌 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, know that we’ve got your back. Let’s keep moving things forward—together.