Renewable energy is no longer a niche, it’s the backbone of the UK’s path to net zero. From early experiments in solar power to modern air source heat pumps, our industry has evolved faster in the last two decades than at any other time in history.
For installers, this shift means opportunity, but also the need to stay on top of regulations, funding, and training. In this blog, we’ll look at where each renewable technology started, how UK regulation like MCS came into play, what government funding is available, and what the future looks like for renewable energy professionals.
A Quick Look Back: Who Invented What and When
1839: The photovoltaic effect was discovered by French scientist Edmond Becquerel.
1954: Bell Labs in the US developed the first practical silicon solar cell, the same core concept used in panels today.
From there, solar PV evolved rapidly, with efficiency improving and costs dropping dramatically over the past 30 years.
Today, the UK’s solar industry is thriving again thanks to cheaper materials, better storage, and rising energy bills.
1800: Alessandro Volta built the first true battery, the voltaic pile.
1991: Sony commercialised the first lithium-ion battery, based on work by Whittingham, Goodenough and Yoshino.
This tech now powers everything from electric vehicles to home energy storage systems. For installers, battery systems are becoming one of the fastest-growing add-ons for new and existing solar customers.
The first working heat pump was built by Peter von Rittinger in the 1850s, based on early thermodynamic research.
Fast forward to the 20th century, and air source heat pumps became a realistic alternative to fossil-fuel heating.
Now, they’re central to the UK’s strategy to decarbonise homes.
MCS: Setting the Standard for Quality
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) was launched in 2007 to create a national quality standard for renewable energy installations.
If you install solar panels, batteries or heat pumps, MCS certification isn’t just a badge of honour. It’s often a requirement for customers to access government funding or grants.
Why MCS Matters for Installers
Proves your installations meet national standards.
Helps build customer trust and protects against poor workmanship.
Mandatory for schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) and previous initiatives like the Feed-in Tariff and Renewable Heat Incentive.
If you’re starting out or expanding into new technologies (e.g., moving from gas to heat pumps), getting MCS-accredited should be one of your first steps.
Government Funding Timeline: Key Schemes You Should Know
The BUS has replaced RHI and continues to support homeowners moving away from gas and oil heating.
⚡ Feed-in Tariff (FIT) Solar Boom Years
Launched: April 2010
Closed to new applicants: March 2019
Paid homeowners for generating and exporting renewable electricity, which kickstarted the domestic solar market.
🔥 Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
Non-domestic scheme: 2011
Domestic scheme: 2014–2022
Provided quarterly payments for renewable heating systems, including ASHPs, to offset running costs.
Launched: 2022
Funding: £450 million (initially)
Grants: Now up to £7,500 for air and ground source heat pumps.
Runs until: December 2027
Funding for Installers & Training
The UK government knows the demand for renewables can only grow if we have enough skilled people to install them. That’s why the Heat Training Grant was launched in 2023, offering up to £500 towards the cost of heat pump training courses in England.
This funding can help heating engineers and electricians transition into renewables and qualify for MCS approval more easily.
At Hampshire Training & Assessments Ltd we are delivering our Level 3 accredited Air Source Heat Pump course designed to help tradespeople retrain or upskill quickly, using the governments funding and receiving the £500 grant, this course will be free of charge to complete.
The Numbers: How Much Is Being Spent on Renewables
Between 2020 and 2023, the UK spent around £26 billion on low-carbon and renewable energy measures. Covering electricity networks, heating, and energy efficiency.
That figure will only rise as new schemes are introduced to meet Net Zero by 2050. For installers, that means consistent opportunity, from new build integration to retrofits and grant-backed projects.
What’s Next for Installers
The next few years will bring huge growth across all three technologies, but also tighter standards and more accountability.
1. More heat pump demand
The government wants 600,000 heat pumps installed per year by 2028. To meet that, thousands of new installers will need to be trained and certified.
2. Updated MCS standards
Expect updates to MCS technical standards for low-temperature system design, refrigerant handling, and competence assessment.
3. Smart energy systems
Battery storage, heat pumps, and EV chargers are increasingly working together. Home energy management systems (HEMS) will become standard, so having electrical and smart control knowledge will make you stand out.
4. Long-term funding
BUS is confirmed until 2027, and more targeted support (such as for low-income households and training grants) will likely continue beyond that.
What Installers Can Do Now
✅ Get MCS certified – If you’re not already, start the process.
✅ Apply for the Heat Training Grant – £500 towards your course could make the switch to renewables easier.
✅ Stay updated – Follow updates from MCS, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), and Ofgem.
✅ Educate customers – Many homeowners don’t know what grants they qualify for, being the installer who explains it clearly builds instant trust.
Final Thoughts
Renewable energy isn’t just the future, it’s the now. With the right qualifications, awareness of MCS and funding schemes, and a forward-thinking approach, installers can position themselves at the heart of one of the UK’s fastest-growing industries.
Whether you’re fitting solar, installing batteries, or moving from boilers to heat pumps, there’s never been a better time to grow your renewable business.
