New standard: FM 4483, building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) wall mounted systems

In March 2026, FM Approvals published a new examination standard – FM Approvals Examination Standard 4483 for building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) wall mounted systems. This standard states the testing protocols and certification requirements for all BIPV exterior wall systems.

While many headlines may focus on the power generation capabilities of BIPV systems, FM Approvals has created FM 4483 to determine the performance of these systems against the perils of fire, wind, hail, and corrosion – plus electrical performance testing. As a result, building owners can enjoy the benefits of FM Approved BIPV systems without concern that the added exterior wall materials will negatively impact the risk profile of their facilities.

FM Approvals’ BIPV testing evaluates these systems, that are part of the building envelope, to determine whether interior components (insulation, moisture retardants, weather resistive barriers, etc.) and exterior components (encapsulated solar cells, tempered glass, plastics, etc.) meet the requirements of FM 4483.

FM Approvals testing capabilities can evaluate all types of BIPV systems and assemblies, including those with any of the following features; mechanically fastened systems, self-adhered systems, or any PV modules that may create a cavity when installed. The cavity is typically where BIPV modules are connected to the building’s power supply through a system of electrical cables, inverters, and junction boxes.

With more than 140 years of experience testing and certifying loss prevention solutions, we have a proven track record of recognizing the quality, technical integrity, and performance capabilities of loss prevention products.

As the technology and applications used for PV systems evolve, FM Approvals does the same. We have been testing and certifying PV products for many years, however when product developers bring innovative solutions to market – the need to verify performance, evaluate products to confirm that they do not ignite or contribute to the spread of a fire, and confirm a product’s resistance to wind, hail, and other growing natural hazard threats remains vital.

When a system is evaluated by FM Approvals, the examination and tests on production samples determine:

• The suitability of the products for their intended use as a wall system;
• The performance of the products as specified by the manufacturer and required for certification;
• The durability and reliability of the products when used as a certified wall system

If you are ready to begin the certification process, click here to get started.

If you are in search of FM Approved products, access the Approval Guide for all listings.

Upon the completion of testing and certification, all FM Approved products are listed in the Approval Guide –
FM Approvals’ publicly available, comprehensive listing of all tested and certified products and systems. Today, there are more than 130,000 products listed in the Approval Guide.

Loss prevention products and solutions that successfully complete our testing and certification requirements become certified and can label their products with the globally recognized FM APPROVED certification mark. This serves as a worldwide competitive advantage for manufacturers, as the longstanding history and scientific research that back the FM APPROVED mark instill confidence in local markets spanning the Americas, EMEA, and APAC.

As a leading third-party testing laboratory for the certification of photovoltaic modules and commercial roofing products, FM Approvals objectively tests and certifies products that meet our globally recognized loss prevention standards encourages the use of FM Approved products to improve and advance property loss prevention practices worldwide.