Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment her Department has made of the public interest objectives served by requiring MCS certification for the subsequent inspection, accreditation or market recognition of an existing solar photovoltaic system where that system can demonstrate compliance with applicable electrical safety requirements, Building Regulations and Distribution Network Operator connection requirements.

The Department has not made an assessment of post-installation inspection and accreditation requirements. MCS certification is required for access to Government grant funding, where applicable, and is not mandated otherwise.

MCS certification provides assurance across the full design, installation and commissioning process. Post-installation inspection alone cannot demonstrate that all applicable requirements were met, and MCS therefore does not permit retrospective certification.