MCS Updates on Flat Roof Solar PV Mounting Issues and Certification Investigation

MCS IS CONTINUING to investigate the causes of issues identified with solar mounting product certification and flat roof solar PV mounting.

Solar Mounting Certification

The ongoing MCS investigation is assessing whether greater consistency can be achieved across certification bodies in the testing of solar mounting products.

It follows the withdrawal of certification from a number of solar mounting products on 10 May 2025. In response, MCS opened an investigation into the differences in approach taken by the certification bodies to these products.

MCS has engaged with manufacturers and certification bodies to understand the sequence of events and decision-making processes that led to the withdrawal of product certificates.

The grace period remains in effect until 10 November 2025, during which installers may continue to use the solar mounting products affected. The products are marked in the MCS Product Directory with ‘Grace Period’ after the certification number, and certification dates displayed as 10/05/2025 to 10/11/2025.

MCS says it will continue to engage with stakeholders and will provide further updates once the investigation reaches its conclusion.

Flat Roof Solar PV Mounting

The release of Version 3 of the MCS 012 Solar Mounting Product Standard extended its scope to include both mechanically attached and non-mechanically attached systems designed for flat roofs with a pitch of ≤10°. MCS says it has been made aware of challenges associated with achieving certification for these types of systems.

To explore solutions, MCS recently hosted a workshop with manufacturers and certification bodies to understand the challenges associated with the certification of flat roof mounting kits. It was agreed to undertake research into the approach adopted in other countries to support certification for these products.

The outcome of this work is expected to inform discussions at the next Solar Mounting and Solar PV Working Group meetings.

In the meantime, installers can continue to rely on clause 5.5.5 of the Solar PV Installation Standard (MIS 3002) for the installation of non-certified flat roof mounting kits.

MCS points out that there are enough alternative flat roof mounting kits that have secured certification for installers to choose from.

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