DIY Install and MCS accreditation!

HJP999
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Aug 01, 2023 8:30 pm

Re: DIY Install and MCS accreditation!

#11

Post by HJP999 »

Has anyone succeeded with an Outgoing Octopus application using a Flexi-Orb certificate in lieu of MCS?
Ken
Posts: 431
Joined: Mon Jul 26, 2021 10:07 am

Re: DIY Install and MCS accreditation!

#12

Post by Ken »

If you did not need a MCS cert who is to say you even have a PV system. Seems a murky situation from the leccy Co view. And have you seen some of the DIY bodgeups !! Perhaps a lot of people on here can do it but Mr Average?
robl
Posts: 57
Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2022 8:41 pm

Re: DIY Install and MCS accreditation!

#13

Post by robl »

As I understand it, you only need one MCS approved PV system. Once you have it, that's it, the property has an MCS certificate for PV, and you can add more - you won't ever get or need another certificate.

So what's the cheapest way to get an MCS certificate ? :D
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spread-tee
Posts: 569
Joined: Mon May 31, 2021 7:16 pm
Location: ville of spiky things

Re: DIY Install and MCS accreditation!

#14

Post by spread-tee »

We spoke to Octopus a couple of weeks ago, apparently MCS accreditation is the only way, they did say a DIY system with MCS is fine. So it would seem if you know a friendly MCS person who is happy to sign the form you are away. Otherwise probably not.

I am wondering if there is a safe, legal, fair way to sell it to my neighbours? Anyone?

Desp
Blah blah blah
Moxi
Posts: 1781
Joined: Sun Oct 31, 2021 3:46 pm

Re: DIY Install and MCS accreditation!

#15

Post by Moxi »

Desp,

At the most basic level get your neighbour to buy a battery (or two) and a suitable inverter and you charge his battery and he runs loads from it separate to his grid connections.

Or ignore the batteries and the inverter and run an extension cable with a meter and let the neighbour run a suitable rated load from that - again separate to his own grid connections.

Theres a degree of trust required and adherence to practical safety requirements to be applied but no reason it could not be done.

Moxi
Swwils
Posts: 530
Joined: Sat Feb 26, 2022 12:58 pm

Re: DIY Install and MCS accreditation!

#16

Post by Swwils »

You can do it without MCS but you will need to press them.
spread-tee
Posts: 569
Joined: Mon May 31, 2021 7:16 pm
Location: ville of spiky things

Re: DIY Install and MCS accreditation!

#17

Post by spread-tee »

We pressed Octopus, they said NO.

Cheers Moxi, some good suggestions there, my neighbours are great trust is no worries, I will see what they think.

Desp
Blah blah blah
NikoV6
Posts: 217
Joined: Thu Aug 11, 2022 6:42 am

Re: DIY Install and MCS accreditation!

#18

Post by NikoV6 »

I would like to think my constant moaning had a little effect!!

https://octopus.typeform.com/to/UAbK9bR ... ource=t.co
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MrPablo
Posts: 240
Joined: Mon Oct 17, 2022 1:26 pm

Re: DIY Install and MCS accreditation!

#19

Post by MrPablo »

Looks like Octopus are starting to allow non-MCS in a more meaningful way.

https://octopus.energy/policies/export- ... onditions/

Clause 5.8 states:
'Where you are unable to provide MCS 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'
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Gareth J
Posts: 152
Joined: Sun Oct 24, 2021 9:11 am

Re: DIY Install and MCS accreditation!

#20

Post by Gareth J »

Needs to be some form of compliance monitoring, surely? Otherwise, in the extreme, what would stop me rigging up an old lister diesel, running it on waste motor oil and selling back to the grid as "renewables".
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