Intertek Shanghai, a global independent third-party testing, inspection and certification organisation, has been announced as the latest MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) product certification body. It becomes the tenth MCS product certification body and the second to be based outside of Europe, and will focus on the product certification of solar panels and heat pumps.
MCS is the standards organisation for small-scale renewable energy and heating across the UK, requiring both installers and product manufacturers to adhere to industry-recognised standards that ensure the highest quality, competency and compliance. Product certification to MCS standards is managed by accredited certification bodies such as Intertek Shanghai, who assess products to ensure that they comply with the quality standards required under MCS. This allows them to award use of the MCS certification mark to products that have been rigorously tested.
The number of manufacturers with MCS certified products continues to grow, as consumer appetite for high-quality small-scale renewables drives demand. There are currently 131 manufacturers with MCS certified heat pump products – a 25% increase over the last 12 months. For solar panels, this figure stands at 181, representing a 9% increase in the number of manufacturers that have certified solar products over the last 12 months. As a result, there are now more than 1,500 MCS certified heat pump products and over 90,000 solar panel products, demonstrating the wide (and growing) choice available to installers and consumers.
Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, said: “The demand for small-scale renewables continues to gather pace in the UK, with solar panel installations surpassing the 1.5 million mark and heat pumps on track for a record-breaking year in 2024. This is reflected in the significant growth we’ve seen in the number of MCS certified contractors – an increase of 38% over the past 12 months – but it’s crucial that product choice also mirrors this to service the growing demand.
“This is where accredited product certification bodies have a really important role to play in strengthening the UK supply chain for renewable technologies. They provide rigorous testing of products to ensure they are high-quality and certified, which ultimately broadens choice for installers and consumers alike. Intertek Shanghai has a fantastic reputation in the testing, inspection and certification sector, so it’s great to welcome them as our second product certification body outside of Europe.”
Ms. Jessica Li, General Manager of Certification & GMAP of Intertek Electrical Shanghai said: “Obtaining accreditation as an MCS Product Certification Body means that we will be able to greatly improve the services of local enterprises and can directly issue MCS certificates to them, helping Chinese manufacturers to enter the UK and European markets. Our successful accreditation demonstrates Intertek’s mission to promote high-quality and compound growth for our customers.
“It also confirms that we will focus on renewable energy together with Chinese enterprises and seek a sustainable path for green and low-carbon transformation. It is hoped that Intertek Shanghai and MCS can continue to expand cooperation in different product areas, increasing the product choices available to installers and consumers.”
As the low-carbon landscape continues to evolve, Intertek Shanghai and MCS will collaborate to
explore cutting-edge renewable technologies, ensure the quality and sustainability of products, and create opportunities to drive progress against net zero goals. For the full listing of products that have been MCS certified through product certification bodies, visit: https://mcscertified.com/product-directory/
