The Government remains committed to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme as an integral part of delivering RHI, meaning it is vital for the success of the heat pump industry that we embrace MCS standards according to Nancy Jonsson, Product Manager, Heating and Renewables at Daikin UK.
The Government has renewed its commitment to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme by making it a prerequisite for projects wishing to benefit from the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. Despite some short-comings, MCS standards are currently the only way to ensure that installers can achieve high standards, meet Permitted Development rules and ensure running cost savings in every project. This is vital to both ensure consumer confidence and ensure that the renewables industry can help the UK achieve its ambitious 2020 targets.
Projects are only eligible for the RHI where the installation is carried out by MCS registered installers using products certified under the scheme. In addition, the RHI payments to homeowners having heat pumps installed are dependent on systems achieving a minimum Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF). The SPF varies according to the efficiency of the heat pump system and is closely dependent on careful system design and optimisation.
In 2011, MCS installer standards for heat pump systems were reviewed in response to various field trial reports which showed that installers needed clearer guidance and support to achieve the highest system performance. The latest findings clearly show that improved standards are helping.
Many manufacturers, installers and industry bodies are working hard behind the scenes to further improve and shape MCS standards and build a robust platform for the renewables industry. At such a critical time, this important hard work must continue to ensure that we can maximise the potential of renewable systems. MCS installers who follow design standards and enrol on training are clearly able to demonstrate their commitment to saving energy and carbon emissions. It is only through this commitment that the highest running cost savings will be achieved for each project and that the national targets for renewables will be realised.
[author image=”https://www.installeronline.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/nancyjohn.jpg” ]Nancy Jonsson is Product Manager, Heating and Renewables, for Daikin UK. She has worked in the heating industry for 12 years, during which time she has helped develop a number of new products and technologies such as boilers, solar thermal systems, underfloor heating, heating controls and, more recently, heat pumps. Before joining Daikin, Nancy worked for a number of leading manufacturers in the HVAC industry. Her current role involves defining new product requirements in response to installer feedback and market trends.[/author]
