FM Approvals has issued the first certification for a ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) system to Switzerland-based Ensolro after successful completion of the testing requirements of FM Approvals Standard 4480 for Ground-Mounted or Elevated Photovoltaic Module Systems.
Ensolro is dedicated to developing systems that improve resilience in the face of increased environmental forces that can impact photovoltaics. Ensolro’s CARSOLRO system was tested and certified to FM 4480. The CARSOLRO system, primarily used for carports, is comprised of the ESR1762G2F35 photovoltaic module, PVKIT HUR 2.0 securement, and CARSOLRO brackets.
The testing included within FM 4480 evaluates a ground-mounted PV module system for its performance as related to fire spread, simulated wind uplift resistance, and susceptibility from hailstorm damage. Ensolro’s CARSOLRO system received a wind pressure rating of 115 psf (5.5 kPa), a hail kinetic energy rating of 8 ft-lb (10.5 J) which is approximately equivalent to Moderate Hail (MH) rating, and a gravity load rating of 120 psf (5.7 kPa).
Combustibility is evaluated in accordance with a modified version of ASTM E108 (Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings), tested without the roof deck, and exposes the panels to simulated wind-blown fire. Wind uplift testing is performed to confirm the module’s rating – the maximum simulated uplift resistance pressure the assembly can withstand for one minute without failure. Testing for hail damage resistance is in accordance with ANSI/FM 4473 (Impact Resistance Testing of Rigid Roofing Materials by Impacting with Freezer Ice Balls) but targeting a specific kinetic energy – with impact locations tested near corners, near perimeters, within the cell, and along critical connections. The evaluation of the hail impact on the PV panels includes not only visual examination but electroluminescence (EL) testing to look for microcracking and light-IV testing to determine any potential power output loss.
FM 4480 is the Approval Standard used to evaluate all rigid PV systems that are secured to frames that are independently secured in place. These applications are different than roof-mounted or building integrated systems, which are evaluated per FM 4476 for flexible modules, FM 4478 for rigid modules, and FM 4479 for building integrated steep slope PV roof covers.
With the fast-paced evolution of renewables, manufacturers and users of PV systems can rely on the validation that FM Approvals provides with confirmation that tested and certified products contribute to a facility’s property loss prevention strategy while performing under the toughest conditions.
As an international third-party certification organization, FM Approvals uses our scientific approach to simulate in real-world circumstances to objectively evaluate the performance of loss prevention products. If your organization manufactures or is in search of PV or other renewables systems including roof-mounted PVs and transformer monitoring solutions, access the Approval Guide and RoofNav or contact Joanna Blaney (AVP, Technical Team Manager, Building Materials) at joanna.blaney@fmapprovals.com.