Partner organisation
MCS presents its regular
column for REI
Important new
update to MCS
solar Standard
O
n 5 April 2016, MCS published MCS 012 Issue
2.1 (a minor update to MCS Issue 2.0 regarding
the implementation timeline for MCS 012 product
manufacturers), which is available for reference from the
date of publication.
The important update to the Standard relates to A5.1.1 on
page 24 of MCS 012. It clarifies the requirements on the external
spread of flame when installing in-roof solar panels, and has
introduced three routes for a product to comply with MCS
requirements and building regulations. These three routes are
shown below:
•
•
•
A specific fire test and rating with a specified PV module;
A test and rating that is achieved independently of a PV
module; and
An installation method that achieves a fire rating that is
independent of the solar installation. The MCS Contractor can
use a substrate with an independent fire rating (for example
a roofing membrane with AA rating) beneath a roofing kit/
module combination that does not have a declared fire rating.
MCS Solar PV Contractors must commence working in
accordance with this issue of the standard from 02/05/2016.
MCS Solar Thermal Contractors may also choose to use
MCS 012 products as a means of complying with relevant
Building Regulations (please note that both solar thermal
and solar PV installations must continue to meet all relevant
Building Regulations).
Useful Links:
MCS 012 v2.1
http://www.microgenerationcertification.org/images/MCS_012Issue_2.1_Product_Certification_Scheme_Requirements_Pitched_
Roof_Installation_Kits.pdf?dm_t=0,0,0,0,0
Important information on MCS 012 Issue 2.1 for MCS Solar
Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal Contractors
http://www.microgenerationcertification.org/images/MCS_012_
Issue_2.1_Important_Information_2016.04.05.pdf?dm_t=0,0,0,0,0
10 | www.renewableenergyinstaller.co.uk
Opinion
The potential effects of a
Brexit on the UK renewable
energy sector
Gordon Moran, writing for the
European Energy Centre (EEC),
considers the prospects of the
renewables sector should Britain
vote to leave the European Union
great deal of
progress has been
made in the UK
in recent years to
improve energy efficiency and
promote renewable energy to
reduce carbon emissions. Much
of the legal and political impetus
to implement this has come
from EU legislation, such as the
EU’s 20-20-20 climate targets.
However, in the event of a
Brexit, the UK could potentially
renege on such pledges. But
even if the UK left the EU and
reneged on 2020 EU carbon
targets, it is highly unlikely any
UK government would repeal
the UK Climate Change Act
2008 to reduce carbon emissions
by 80 percent by 2050.
Subsidies for various
renewable energy technologies
have recently been reduced in
the UK. However, Government
support remains strong for
certain technologies, such as
offshore wind, with additional
funding allocated for energy
storage technology research.
Within the UK there are also
levels of support from the
devolved nations as well as on
a regional level.
It is uncertain whether the
UK would have achieved as
much low carbon development
without the impetus of the EU.
However, if the UK voted for a
Brexit, alternative arrangements
A
could be put in place to sustain
carbon emission reductions.
For instance, the next British
government after 2020 may
be more supportive of the
renewable sector. Additionally,
whatever strategy the current or
future governments opt for, they
will still need to reduce carbon
emissions by 80 percent by
2050, which cannot be achieved
without further development of
renewable energy technologies
across the UK.
Alternatively, if the UK
stayed in the EU, it would help
raise investor confidence and
minimise the risk of major
projects being mothballed as a
result. The influence of the EU
would also be constructive in
maintaining the political will
to pursue ambitious long-term
environmental goals.
To learn more about Renewable
Energy and Energy Efficiency
through training courses, visit
www.EUenergycentre.org