Building trust: renewables certification opens doors to new markets

New global regulations are driving the rapid expansion of renewables.

The European Union significantly raised its Renewable Energy Directive target, now aiming for 42.5% of power to come from renewable sources by 2030. Additionally, under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, the EU is pushing a mandate that all new commercial buildings incorporate rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems by 2026, with a similar target for all existing commercial buildings by 2027. Individual countries are also setting their own standards; for example, France now requires 30% of new commercial roofs incorporate PV.

In the United States, it is only a matter of time before similar sustainability requirements are implemented. Solar energy production in the U.S. has been growing at a rate of 22% every year and PV systems deployment is expected to quadruple over the next decade.

As demand intensifies, the urgency for manufacturers to produce PV for expedited release can negatively impact quality and performance, especially without thorough testing and product certification. This expedited production can potentially lead to lower quality or imperfectly assembled products that may not hold up as well under real-world conditions, placing building owners and stakeholders at risk.

With the expanded usage of renewables, third-party testing and certification serves an essential purpose for product manufacturers aiming to build trust and confirm reliability. An FM Approvals certification confirms that PVs and condition monitoring systems for wind turbines are tested for durability, resilience, and longevity—qualities that align with a sustainable and dependable renewable energy infrastructure. FM Approvals’ ongoing surveillance audits of FM Approved products ensure ongoing conformity of the products and require manufacturers to demonstrate that their current production conforms to the original product that was tested and certified.

Establishing confidence in a competitive market

According to the Edelman Trust Barometer, businesses today are uniquely positioned as both competent and ethical leaders. For manufacturers of PV systems and components and producers of condition monitoring equipment for wind turbines, this trust is not only a metric—but also an opportunity. Certification serves as a way for companies to signal that their products are trustworthy extensions of their business values, showcasing a commitment to quality, durability, and long-term performance.

In a competitive marketplace, third-party testing and certification offers manufacturers a clear path to stand out. It helps emphasize durability, reliability and overall performance, establishing a high standard that ensures systems are prepared to withstand real-world challenges. This approach fosters confidence and positions manufacturers to expand their reach into new markets.

Four ways certification expands market reach and establishes credibility

The credibility offered by comprehensive certification for PV systems and condition monitoring equipment for wind turbines sets FM Approved products apart from those that only meet basic standards. In general, certification demonstrates a commitment to reliability, helping manufacturers gain the trust of new markets and secure a reputation for excellence.

Here are four key benefits that make certification essential for renewable manufacturers:

• Global market access. Product testing and certification gives manufacturers the ability to pursue specification in places their peers cannot, from the U.S, China, Southeast Asia to India, Europe, and beyond. Manufacturers with tested and certified offerings are better prepared to meet international regulatory requirements.
• Reputation for quality and resilience. Rigorous, third-party testing and certification signals a high level of quality and reliability, setting certified products apart in the marketplace. Comprehensive testing, such as weather resistance and combustibility tests, ensures PV and wind systems can withstand real-world conditions, giving manufacturers a reputational advantage. This testing helps build a competitive reputation for durable, trustworthy products that perform reliably as a cohesive system, not just as isolated components.
• Future-proof performance. Certified PV and condition monitoring systems for wind turbines undergo simulations that mimic real-world applications and environmental stressors. For PV systems, parts of this process evaluate modules in conjunction with the roofing system, ensuring that all parts—from panels to anchors to the underlying roofing system—function together. Wind turbines follow a tailored process, with rigorous testing of components, interfaces and connections, giving manufacturers valuable confirmations of performance while identifying any vulnerabilities that may be addressed prior to launch.
• Independent validation for unbiased assurance. Third-party testing and certification is impartial, with no vested interest in the product’s overall success. Independent testing organizations, such as FM Approvals, verify that products perform as expected, providing an added layer of credibility that appeals to customers and partners alike.

Setting new standards in renewable certification

As renewable technologies evolve, FM Approvals is leveraging advanced research capabilities to identify fundamental risks and establish solutions that set new benchmarks for the industry. The FM 4478 Approval Standard for Rigid Photovoltaic Modules, now adopted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), provides a universally respected standard for PV system performance. This adoption highlights FM Approvals’ dedication to creating reliable, industry-wide standards for renewable energy.

The ANSI/FM 4478 standard sets rigorous criteria for PV systems, covering essential performance aspects such as fire resistance, wind uplift resistance and impact durability. These tests simulate real-world hazards, including extreme weather events like high winds and hail and evaluate how the entire PV system—including mounting and integration with roofing—performs under these conditions. By ensuring products meet these high safety and durability benchmarks, FM Approvals supports manufacturers in delivering resilient and sustainable solutions.

FM Approvals’ testing protocols and certification requirements span a diverse range of renewable systems, such as condition monitoring systems for wind turbines. This commitment to comprehensive system evaluation ensures that all certified renewable products are prepared to meet real-world challenges throughout their lifecycle.

Contact FM Approvals to begin the process of certifying renewables. Visit the Approval Guide to gain access to tens of thousands of FM Approved products and services with essential engineering data, technical information and use categorization. FM Approved products are available worldwide.