MCS published a one-month consultation on 10 October 2022 on updates to two product standards: the Solar PV Product Standard (MCS 005) and the Bespoke Building Integrated PV Product Standard (MCS 017)1. The organisation said the changes aim to create an updated set of documents that include new requirements for manufacturers and modernise the standards as a whole1.
For MCS 005, the draft incorporates a new reference to product families, to reflect how product families are determined and tested, and adds information on bifacial modules and the test conditions for determining power output1. It also clarifies the eligibility of modules with integrated module-level power electronics (MLPE) to be certified1. For MCS 017, the draft introduces new test conditions to account for bifacial modules and clarifies whether modules with module-level power electronics, such as micro inverters, can still be approved under that standard1.
"MCS has today published a one-month consultation on updates to the Solar PV (MCS 005) and Bespoke Building Integrated PV (MCS 017) Product Standards."
MCS invited comments on the proposed updates from stakeholders, with a deadline of 12.00pm on Monday 7 November 20221. Responses are to be sent to meetings@mcscertified.com using the consultation response forms provided alongside the draft standards1. The consultation page lists draft versions of both standards and a response form for each1.
| Standard | Proposed changes |
|---|---|
| MCS 005 Solar PV | New reference to product families; additional information on bifacial modules and test conditions for power output; clarification of eligibility for modules with integrated MLPE1 |
| MCS 017 Bespoke Building Integrated PV | New test conditions for bifacial modules; clarification on whether modules with module-level power electronics, such as micro inverters, can be approved1 |
Why it matters for households
The standards sit behind MCS certification for solar PV installations, the scheme that underpins much of the domestic market and is tied to access to export payments and other support. What the consultation proposes is largely technical: how module power output is measured, how product families are defined and tested, and whether panels with built-in electronics can be certified. Those definitions determine which products can carry certification and be installed under the scheme, and how their claimed output is verified. For a household, the practical effect is on the range of panels and integrated products that can be offered, and on the confidence that the performance figures quoted for a system reflect a consistent test method. The proposals also touch roof-integrated solar through MCS 017, the standard covering bespoke building-integrated PV, and hybrid inverters and micro inverter arrangements through the MLPE clarification. Wider context on how product standards and markings work in the UK sits in the product standards and markings guide, and the regulation and policy hub covers related rules.
What happens next
The consultation closes at 12.00pm on Monday 7 November 20221. MCS has not reported in this announcement when revised standards would be published or when any changes would take effect1.
Sources1 cited
- Solar PV & Bespoke Building Integrated PV Product Standards - MCS, mcscertified.com