News Article
Sundog Energy Plays Role In New MCS Guide
The long-awaited update to the MCS's guide to installing solar PV systems has now been published, following more than two years work by leading UK solar PV experts, including one of the principle authors/editors of this publication Martin Cotterell, founder and technical director of Cumbrian-based Sundog Energy.
Officially launched by Energy Minister Greg Barker, the updated Guide to the Installation of Photovoltaic Systems will have a significant effect on the UK solar industry because following the guide is currently one of the requirements under the MCS scheme, which must be adhered to in order to qualify for feed-in tariff payments.
The first edition of the guide was published in 2002, with the second edition introduced in 2006. Since the second edition was introduced, the UK solar industry has undergone a major transformation after the introduction of the feed-in tariff scheme. As a result of the huge improvement in technology and the growth of the UK market, the second guide required an almost complete overhaul.
The MCS PV working group has been working hard to update the guide to better reflect the maturity and complexity of the UK solar market. There will be a three month transitional period until use of the new guide's requirements will become mandatory. Martin is currently speaking at a series of road shows being held across the country, organised by Solar Media, to provide a full introduction and update to the MCS guide and to answer any queries surrounding the changes.
According to Martin Cotterell "I am delighted that the new PV guide has been launched. All PV installers have to follow these standards so there will be a level playing field of best practice for the industry. Consumers can now have even greater confidence in solar PV as a safe and effective technology that delivers massive financial savings and environmental benefits."
Martin was also principle author of the two previous editions of the Guide, published in 2002 and 2006.
