The Solar Trade Association (STA) is joining forces with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) for a new offering.
New STA members are to receive ten MCS credits worth £30 each, with existing members able to claim five free credits per year.
In addition, small solar businesses that are accredited members of the MCS and a registered consumer code are entitled to a discount of £100 off their STA membership, which is a reduction of 25%.
Chris Hewett, chief executive of the STA, pointed to how the last few years have been “tricky to navigate for the industry” and how the now-closed feed-in tariff required certification, encouraging installers to adhere to the standards.
“We want to use this new partnership to maintain support for standards whilst trimming costs for those companies who have been subjected to the wild ups and downs of Britain’s solar coaster and who provide consistent levels of service to consumers. We are offering a helping hand to the small businesses that form an integral part of the industry,” Hewett continued.
Alongside the STA, the MCS has also recently partnered the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) to help simplify the certification process for installers. The RECC was recognised in the New Year's Honours List, with Virginia Graham, CEO of the Renewable Energy Assurance which administers the RECC, awarded an OBE for her services to promoting renewable energy.
Ian Rippin, chief executive of the MCS, said the MCS is "delighted" to strengthen its relationship with the STA as the two work together to ensure solar installers are supported as they navigate an "uncertain, changing policy and subsidy landscape".