Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) System Testing and Certification

Building‑integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) replace parts of the building envelope, roofs, curtain walls, facades and skylights, with photovoltaic modules that must perform as both construction materials and electrical equipment. UL Solutions evaluates BIPV modules and systems to the applicable safety, construction, and building requirements so you can demonstrate compliance and move to market with confidence.

We evaluate against UL 7103, which consolidates electrical, fire, wind resistance, weather protection, impact resistance and durability considerations for BIPV roof coverings, helping authorities and stakeholders determine compliance more efficiently. The 2021 IBC/IRC editions require BIPV roofing systems to be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 7103.

Our testing covers electrical, temperature, mechanical loading, wind resistance, impact and fire, plus wind‑driven rain and environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity). Output wiring is also evaluated for NEC conformance.

UL Solutions test reports and certifications are globally recognized, helping you access multiple markets and stand out in a competitive solar industry. We also offer integrated test plans and data acceptance programs to streamline projects.

Our resources explain BIPV categories (solar roofing, facades/curtain walls, solar glass) and how advisory services can help you maneuver multiple certification paths to reach the market faster.

BIPV products are designed for integral mounting to building structures—either as the roof/roofing system or as exterior wall coverings and fenestration (curtain walls, facades, atria, skylights).

• Electrical safety and performance (module safety qualification) 
• Fire performance (roof coverings), wind resistance, impact, mechanical loading, temperature, weather protection (e.g., wind‑driven rain), and environmental durability (e.g., humidity) 
• NEC wiring conformance for output wiring and bonding/grounding considerations 
  These assessments reflect how BIPV functions as both PV equipment and building envelope material.

The 2021 IBC/IRC editions require BIPV roofing systems to be listed and labeled to UL 7103, which integrates the tests model codes expect for BIPV roofing.

PV module safety requirements were harmonized with IEC 61730, resulting in UL 61730‑1/-2. These standards address construction (e.g., insulation coordination, components) and define testing sequences for safety verification.

NEC, IBC and IRC require PV products installed on or around buildings to be certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) to applicable standards—BIPV products meet the same electrical safety testing as conventional modules, plus additional building‑specific evaluations.