OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association) has introduced new classes of registration for solar thermal systems and heat pumps, to support technicians working in renewable technologies, and plans to extend this further to cover biomass next year.

The move enables installation businesses to join OFTEC’s combined Competent Person’s Scheme (CPS) and Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) which are widely regarded as badges of competence within the industry.

Registration costs are currently amongst the lowest on the market and OFTEC is offering a 25% discount for the first year, bringing the price down to £475 per business for one renewable scope of registration and £550 for two. This includes the MSC licence fee.

Amongst the many benefits of registration, technicians can self-certify installations in accordance with Building Regulations in England, Wales, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, avoiding the time and expense of going through local authority building control.

Additionally, technicians can obtain MSC certification so customers installing renewable technologies are eligible to claim payments through the Government’s domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. Expert technical support in renewables is also available free to all registered technicians.

OFTEC registrations director Adrian Lightwood said: “By expanding our scopes of registration we can now offer additional, specialised support for installers working in renewables, whilst continuing to provide the same high quality service we do now for our oil technicians.

“As the off-gas home energy market gradually becomes more diverse, OFTEC will remain the quality benchmark for installers, servicing technicians and homeowners alike. We will also continue to campaign for cost-effective and inclusive initiatives to promote energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.”

Further details are available on the OFTEC website.