Export with no MCS

[Beelbeebub]

Has anyone any experience of getting an export tariff without an MCS?

 

I.am mulling installing a solar carport. I have a local. Electrician who can do the work.amd.i can do the structure, physical install but would I be able to export. 

 

I believe octopus say they don't need an MCS cert, but is there another wrinkle I should be aware of? Something with the dno or similar? 

[Conor]

You'll just need to provide all the usual details . E.g. inverter spec, string / panel layout, and safety certificate. I'm in NI and had no issues but we've no MCS here anyway so comparing apples and oranges.

[Mattg4321]

Octopus. You have to pay them £250 and provide the electrical certificate and building control (part p) notification. 

[JohnMo]

Tried 3x with octopus without MCS just not interested, said bluntly no each time.

 

Have full structural drawings, electrician sign off and MCS install cert for battery. Can tick everything box - but big NO.

 

So don't bank on it, in any calculations. 

[Mattg4321]

1 hour ago, JohnMo said:

Tried 3x with octopus without MCS just not interested, said bluntly no each time.

 

Have full structural drawings, electrician sign off and MCS install cert for battery. Can tick everything box - but big NO.

 

So don't bank on it, in any calculations. 

Did they give a reason for rejecting you?

 

I did it 4 or 5 months ago and was accepted within a couple of weeks. 

[Bramco]

12 minutes ago, Mattg4321 said:

was accepted within a couple of weeks. 

same here..

[JohnMo]

This is what they have said 3x

 

If you are unable to obtain an MCS certificate for your installation, we will not be able to offer you an export tariff at this time.

 

We are in the very earliest stages of trialling a solution for non-MCS customers. If you'd like to hear when this is available, pop your name and email down here:

 

https://octopus.typeform....

 

Not sure if it's an issue with a smart meter that has no signal? Or another issue.

 

Have used the link they provided each time and it's just repeat conversation.

Edited January 16 by JohnMo

[Mattg4321]

Did you complete this form?

 

https://octopus.typeform.com/to/Cb3xmZNN

 

That’s how I did it. Pay the fee and wait to find out. Did you pay the fee?

[Greeners]

I'm in the process of installing solar on a new roof, so with a lot of pointers from the forum, I've created the pack required for G99 DNO approval. I'm in SSEN's patch and they have a hybrid online process to submit the pack documents. These seem to consist of

• a couple of plans for site location and site plan showing meter box, inverter location, etc
• a form to specify the equipment you intend to install (I'm using G99_Amd 9_A1-1.docx)
• a schematic for the equipment. I used easypv to create this ( https://easy-pv.co.uk/ )

I still haven't submitted the request because I'm waiting to confirm the "Installer Details" section, which is creating a bit of headache.

 

A few days ago I asked Octopus your original question and the answer was, MCS certified only. That bumps the install price by about £5k.

 

Evidently when their T's and C's (https://octopus.energy/policies/export-tariffs-terms-conditions/) at section 5.8 the below, it's more for adopting and existing off-grid setup than planning a new install with qualified but non-MCS persons.

 

Quote

5.8 Where you are unable to provide MCS, Flexi-Orb or equivalent certification under clause 5.5, you confirm that you are satisfied that the generation asset has been installed by a competent professional and meets all required industry standards and guidelines. Octopus accepts no liability for any loss, damage or injury resulting from the installation.

 

My electrician says that the DC Wiring Regulations 7.12 that he is bound by as per the NICEIC and Napit certification covers the same standards as MCS lay down, so it's a little bureaucratic wrinkle I could do without.

 

@Mattg4321 - can I ask, your application was for an existing off-grid system to be accepted for grid connection? Rather than applying prospectively at the planning stage?

 

So, if I can restate the OP's question slightly differently, Has anyone any experience of getting an export tariff without an MCS for a new installation? 

 

Any options gratefully received - short of moving to NI 😀 @Conor

[Greeners]

Actually....I've just received another email from Octopus from a different person who said for non-MCS installs to apply through the scheme with the £250 admin fee, as others have used. So that seems open to a new solar installation as well.

 

Edited January 17 by Greeners

[Mattg4321]

1 hour ago, Greeners said:

Actually....I've just received another email from Octopus from a different person who said for non-MCS installs to apply through the scheme with the £250 admin fee, as others have used. So that seems open to a new solar installation as well.

 

It was a new system. Although I applied to octopus a few days after it was installed. As above, just fill the form in and pay the £250

[Dillsue]

On 17/01/2025 at 14:41, Greeners said:

My electrician says that the DC Wiring Regulations 7.12 that he is bound by as per the NICEIC and Napit certification covers the same standards as MCS lay down, so it's a little bureaucratic wrinkle I could do without.

An MCS install covers structural assessment of your roof so not just electrical work

[Dillsue]

On 17/01/2025 at 14:41, Greeners said:

I still haven't submitted the request because I'm waiting to confirm the "Installer Details" section, which is creating a bit of a headache

With our DNO I just put self installed and all went through OK. You're not bound to use the installer on the form so you can just put down any company you want and change the installer later on.....perfectly legit to change installer any time you want.

[Beelbeebub]

Thanks all.

 

I'll have a chat with Octopus to see what the best way is.

 

Exporting to the grid would be a nice bonus to help the payback.