News Article
MCS Milestone Reached
As one of the world's leading certification bodies, BABT/TÜV SÜD Product Service, started providing assessments of solar Photovoltaic (PV) modules for the UK market only 16 months ago and is now proud to announce its 100thcustomer under the UK Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), making it the leading MCS certification body for PV modules.
MCS has been developed as an independent government - backed scheme that allows certification of various types of microgeneration products such as PV modules in accordance with consistent standards. Under the scheme a small number of independent and impartial 3rd organisations such as BABT/TÜV SÜD Product Service have been appointed to perform assessment services on Solar PV modules, leading to certification under the scheme.
This scheme is vital for PV manufacturers who wish to demonstrate the quality and performance of their product offering. In this rapidly growing and competitive industry, products that carry the MCS mark are essential if they are to be marketed in the UK. Only installations using MCS certified PV solar panels can benefit from the subsidised UK "Feed-in" tariffs that allow householders and any other owners of PV equipment to sell any excess electricity generated back to the power companies.
Certification is achieved by demonstrating compliance with the requirements set out in the MCS standards through product testing and a factory production control audit. These results are then submitted to an accredited MCS certification body, such as BABT/ TÜV SÜD Product Service, which assesses and certifies them and then recommends the public listing on the MCS website to the scheme licensee. If successfully certified, the product is affixed with the MCS logo and the certification body logo, and with a unique certification number which demonstrates to PV users and approved installers that the use of the products entitles them to benefit from the UK Feed-in tariffs.
BABT/TÜV SÜD Product Service has build this leading position by providing a highly coordinated and responsive service using its worldwide network of auditors and assessors, supported by its UK- based certification body, providing peace of mind that PV products are compliant with the MCS scheme's exacting standards.
