So, you’re thinking about going green with your energy solutions—great choice! Whether you’re an installer looking to level up your business or a homeowner exploring eco-friendly options, you’ve probably come across the term “certification.” But hold on… with so many options out there, how do you know which one is right for you?

Enter MCS and Flexi-Orb—two big names in the renewable energy world. But which one’s the better fit for your goals? Is MCS the gold standard that everyone talks about, or is Flexi-Orb offering something fresh and exciting for the modern installer?

Let’s dive into these two certifications and figure out which one’s going to help you make the most out of your renewable energy investment. Spoiler alert: both are fantastic, but there are some key differences you’ll want to know about before making your choice!

Ready? Let’s explore!

What is MCS?

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) is like the gold standard in the renewable energy world. It ensures that your solar panels and battery storage are top-notch, both in quality and installation. It certifies products and installers to make sure everything’s up to scratch.

Here’s what makes MCS shine:

• Quality Assurance: MCS guarantees that systems are high-performing and safe, reducing the risk of issues later on. It’s like a seal of approval for both products and installers.
• Government Incentives: MCS opens doors to financial perks like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). These incentives make going green a bit more affordable.
• Consumer Confidence: With MCS Standards, consumers know they’re getting reliable, efficient systems backed by strong support and help if needed.
• Competitive Advantage for Installers: For businesses, getting MCS certified means better credibility, access to government-backed projects, and more trust from customers.
• Regulatory Compliance: MCS Standards keeps things legal, ensuring installers follow all the right regulations—less risk and more peace of mind.

What is Flexi-Orb?

Flexi-Orb is the new kid on the block but definitely worth checking out. It’s a certification focused on making sustainable energy installations easier, more efficient, and aligned with the best environmental practices. It’s all about offering flexibility while keeping things transparent and smooth for installers.

Here’s what makes Flexi-Orb cool:

• Emphasis on Sustainability: Flexi-Orb is all about eco-friendly practices—think waste reduction and recycling. It helps installers focus on greener ways to do business.
• Digital Efficiency: Forget endless paperwork! Flexi-Orb integrates with CRM systems (like Zoho), making the whole process faster and less stressful for both installers and consumers.
• Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Flexi-Orb supports SEG and makes it super easy for consumers to sell excess energy back to the grid with automated processes. No more hassle!
• Small and Medium Commercial Focus: Flexi-Orb is expanding into larger projects (50kW and above), meaning more opportunities for installers to take on bigger, more exciting jobs.
• Business Support: Flexi-Orb provides a personalised, hands-on approach to helping installers through the certification process, making it feel more like a partnership than just a checklist.
• Stringent Assessments: They spend an entire day in an installer’s office to check that the infrastructure can support customers properly. Then, separate technical inspectors visit past installations to ensure the highest standards have been met.
• Ongoing Quality Checks: Unlike other certifications that rely on a single annual visit, Flexi-Orb conducts assessments throughout the year. This means you can trust the quality stays consistently high.
• Genuine Reviews Only: Flexi-Orb collects feedback exclusively from verified customers—no fake reviews here! If an installer consistently receives poor reviews, they’re removed from the scheme. But for those with glowing feedback, it’s an opportunity to grow and for you to make an informed choice.

Comparing MCS and Flexi-Orb

To help you weigh your options, here’s a side-by-side comparison of MCS and Flexi-Orb:

MCS vs Flexi-Orb Cost Breakdown

Key Takeaways for Installers:

• Initial Cost: Flexi-Orb (£2,025 – £2,771) is a bit steeper upfront than MCS (£1,055).
• Annual Installation Cost: Flexi-Orb shines here at just £2,160, while MCS comes in at £3,240.
• Year 1 Savings: Flexi-Orb helps you pocket £110 (using Blue Flame Certification) in year one compared to MCS.
• 3-Year Savings: Over three years, with 9 installations a month, you could save up to £2,270 by choosing Flexi-Orb instead of MCS.

Why did we settle on 9 installations a month in our calculations? Here’s a little insight that could make all the difference: with MCS (NAPIT), after hitting 97 installations, you’d already be spending more than you would with Flexi-Orb’s Blue Flame certification body. That’s just over 8 installs per month over a year—but we rounded up to 9 to keep things safe (and smart).

If you choose Flexi-Orb’s Simply Certification, it’d take a total of 172 installations before MCS (NAPIT) costs become higher than what you’d pay with Flexi-Orb. Translation? You’d need to hit over 14 installs a month, every month, just to break even.

While MCS might seem like the cheaper, easier option at first with that lower initial fee, Flexi-Orb actually offers some serious long-term perks that could leave you with more cash in your pocket. For example, if you’re cranking out 25 installs a month, you could save over £10,000 in your first year with Flexi-Orb compared to MCS. Pretty wild, right?

And if you stick with Flexi-Orb for three years, you could pocket up to £35,000 in savings. With a lower annual fee and a much better long-term financial outlook, Flexi-Orb offers fantastic value for businesses looking to cut costs without sacrificing quality.

Which One Should You Choose?

So, MCS or Flexi-Orb? The answer really depends on what you’re looking for and how your business operates. Here’s the deal:

If you’re just starting out or focusing mostly on residential projects, MCS might seem like the simpler, more affordable choice upfront. Its lower first certification fee and established reputation make it a great entry point for smaller-scale operations. Plus, it gives you access to key government incentives like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).

On the flip side, if you’re planning to tackle more commercial projects, or focus on sustainability, Flexi-Orb might be the smarter move. While the upfront costs are higher, Flexi-Orb’s lower ongoing fees and continuous assessments ensure better long-term value. You’ll also enjoy perks like CRM integration, hands-on business support, and genuine customer reviews that can help shape your growth.

The real kicker? Over three years, with just 9 installations a month, you could save up to £2,270 by choosing Flexi-Orb instead of MCS. And if you’re scaling to 25 installs a month, those savings jump to over £10,000 in just one year.

In short, if you’re aiming for long-term savings, and a certification that supports your business every step of the way, Flexi-Orb might be your perfect partner. But if you’re looking for a straightforward and budget-friendly start, MCS has you covered. Either way, you’ll be investing in a brighter, greener future—and that’s a win in anyone’s book.

Final Thoughts

Whether you go with the established MCS or the rising star Flexi-Orb, getting certified is a step in the right direction. Take your time, weigh the options, and choose the certification that best suits your business and customer needs.