Home energyEnergy and green upgrades
How to find a certified, local energy installer
For grant-eligible energy work you generally need a certified installer: MCS for solar, heat pumps and batteries, OZEV approval for EV chargers, and TrustMark registration for government-funded measures. This guide explains which accreditation each job needs and the checks to make before you commit.
We read your enquiry and reply by email. Check an installer's accreditation before work starts, using the guide below.
On this page
What it is
Accreditation is the single most useful filter when choosing an energy installer. It is often required to access grants and export payments, and it signals that the installer meets a recognised standard. But the right accreditation differs by job.
This page explains the main UK schemes so you can match the accreditation to the work and avoid uncertified traders.
How it works
MCS (the Microgeneration Certification Scheme) covers solar panels, heat pumps and battery storage. MCS certification is normally required to register for export tariffs and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
OZEV approval applies to EV chargepoint installers and is required to claim the chargepoint grant.
TrustMark is the government-endorsed quality mark required for publicly funded schemes such as ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme.
Who it is for
- Anyone arranging solar, a heat pump, a battery, insulation or an EV charger who wants the work to be grant-eligible and done to standard.
- Homeowners who want a simple way to filter out uncertified or doorstep traders.
Grants and savings
- MCS certification is normally required for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and for export tariffs (MCS).
- OZEV approval is required to claim the EV chargepoint grant (gov.uk).
- TrustMark registration is required for government-funded schemes such as ECO4 and GBIS (TrustMark).
Which accreditation each energy job needs
| Job | Accreditation to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Solar panels | MCS-certified | Required for export tariffs |
| Heat pump | MCS-certified | Required for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme |
| Home battery | MCS-certified | Covered by MCS battery scope |
| EV charger | OZEV-approved | Required for the chargepoint grant |
| Grant-funded insulation | TrustMark-registered | Required for ECO4 and GBIS |
How to choose an installer
- Use the MCS "find an installer" tool, check Companies House registration, and read independent reviews.
- Get at least three itemised quotes, confirm warranties in writing and never pay large sums upfront to a doorstep caller.
Frequently asked questions
What does MCS certification actually mean?
MCS, the Microgeneration Certification Scheme, certifies installers of solar, heat pumps and batteries to a recognised standard. MCS certification is normally required to register for an export tariff and to claim the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, so it protects your access to payments and grants.
Do I need different accreditations for different jobs?
Yes. Each scheme covers different work, so check the table above against your specific job rather than assuming one accreditation covers everything.
How can I check an installer is genuine?
Use the MCS find-an-installer tool, confirm the company on Companies House, check OZEV or TrustMark registration as relevant, and read independent reviews. Get three itemised quotes and never pay a large deposit to an unsolicited doorstep caller.
Sources
Editor, VettedHome
Adam leads VettedHome's editorial coverage of UK home services. He is the founder and managing director of Muswell Rose, the commercial strategy and modern systems business behind a portfolio of UK information sites, and he researches and writes the plain-English guides that help homeowners choose between installers and trades, drawing on the standards set by the relevant bodies for each job, such as Gas Safe Register, NICEIC, MCS, TrustMark and the Property Care Association. He is clear about what to check before any work starts.
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