Three sets of initials, that often get confused. They do different jobs. Once you understand the difference, you’ll know exactly what you must have, what you can drop, and where the Insurance Backed Guarantee fits.
Here’s the whole picture in plain English.
What is MCS?
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme — is the UK quality mark for small-scale renewables. It certifies both the products and the installers for solar PV, solar thermal, heat pumps, battery storage, biomass and small wind.
It’s the renewables equivalent of a Competent Person Scheme in glazing.
Here’s why it matters to your customers: a homeowner must use an MCS-certified installer to claim government clean-energy grants such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. No MCS certification, no grant, and a much harder sale. MCS is the gateway to the whole domestic renewables market.
What are RECC and HIES?
RECC (the Renewable Energy Consumer Code) and HIES are consumer codes. They set out how you must treat the homeowner — clear contracts, fair cancellation rights, deposit protection and a route to sort out complaints.
Both codes have always required their members to provide an Insurance Backed Guarantee, because that’s a core part of protecting the customer. So for years, if you were MCS-certified you were also in a consumer code, and the Insurance Backed Guarantee was required as part of the consumer code.
What's changed under the redeveloped MCS scheme?
MCS is moving every certified installer onto a redeveloped installer scheme, completing by 31 March 2027. The big change: MCS now handles consumer protection directly, through its own Customer Commitment and a central complaints route. The government’s energy department recognises the redeveloped scheme as a standalone code of practice.
The practical effect for you: consumer-code membership (RECC or HIES) is no longer a mandatory requirement under the redeveloped MCS scheme.
What hasn’t changed is the Insurance Backed Guarantee. You still have to give the homeowner MCS-approved financial protection — an Insurance Backed Guarantee — for a minimum of six years from the contract date.
So do I still need a consumer code?
It depends entirely on the work you do. If you’re doing Boiler Upgrade Scheme heat pump work, you’re still expected to keep RECC or HIES membership for now, while the new arrangements are reviewed with the government. Some technology-specific standards schemes also still require it. Outside grant-funded work, under the redeveloped MCS scheme, you may not need it.
Two rules of thumb. First: check with MCS and the specific grant or standard you’re working under before you cancel anything. Second: whatever you decide about the consumer code, the Insurance Backed Guarantee is not optional. It’s the one thing that stays constant.
MCS vs RECC vs HIES at a glance
| MCS | RECC / HIES (consumer codes) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Certification of products and installers | Consumer protection codes of conduct |
| Main job | Proves the work meets standards; unlocks grants | Protects the homeowner’s contract, deposit and complaints |
| Mandatory? | Yes, to access most renewable grants | No longer mandatory under redeveloped MCS — but still expected for BUS work |
| Requires an Insurance Backed Guarantee? | Yes — MCS-approved financial protection, minimum six years | Yes, where membership applies |
| Who it reassures | The grant body and the homeowner | The homeowner |
Where the Insurance Backed Guarantee fits
Whichever combination of scheme and code applies to you, the Insurance Backed Guarantee sits behind your own company written guarantee. It comes into effect if your company ceases to trade during the guarantee term. Subject to the terms and conditions of the policy, it covers your workmanship and the materials you fitted — not the panel or heat pump itself, which the manufacturer warrants separately.
The point worth holding onto: schemes and codes change, sometimes fast. The requirement for the homeowner to be protected if you stop trading does not. That’s the constant. Get the Insurance Backed Guarantee right and you’re covered whichever way the rules land.
Confused about what you still need after the MCS changes?
HomePro is MCS-accredited to provide the six-year Insurance Backed Guarantee the redeveloped scheme asks for. Our team knows the renewables rules inside out. Call 0800 131 0500 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) or join here.
Frequently asked questions
Is MCS the same as a consumer code?
No. MCS certifies the products and the installer. RECC and HIES are consumer codes that protect the homeowner. You can be MCS-certified and, under the redeveloped scheme, not be in a consumer code — unless you do grant-funded work in the BUS Scheme.
Do I need both MCS and RECC or HIES?
You need MCS to access grant-funded work in renewables. Whether you also need a consumer code depends on your work: for Boiler Upgrade Scheme jobs it’s still expected. For much other work under the redeveloped MCS scheme it’s no longer mandatory.
If I no longer need my consumer code, do I still need an Insurance Backed Guarantee?
Yes. MCS-approved financial protection — an Insurance Backed Guarantee for a minimum of six years — is required under the redeveloped scheme regardless of consumer-code membership.
Which scheme lets my customers claim grants?
MCS. A homeowner must use an MCS-certified installer to claim the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and other government renewables grants.
Join UK installers who provide FCA-regulated Insurance Backed Guarantees with every job through HomePro. Call 0800 131 0500 or join HomePro today.
Disclaimer: This post is for general information only. It is not financial, legal or insurance advice. While we take care to make sure the information is accurate, scheme rules, legal requirements and third-party details can change without notice — always check the latest position with the relevant scheme or official body before acting on anything here. HomePro accepts no liability for any loss arising from errors or omissions in, or reliance on, the information in this article. Insurance Backed Guarantees are subject to the terms, conditions and limitations of the individual policy.
