In 2023, the global rooftop photovoltaic (PV) mounting systems industry made significant strides in technological innovation, market expansion, and standardization/certification. The following is a systematic review of key industry news across technology breakthroughs, market dynamics, and regional developments.

I. Technological Breakthroughs and Product Innovations

1. World’s First 1-90+ Wind Uplift Rating System Launched

In June 2023, FM Approvals announced that Centroplan’s SolaRoof Metal system became the world’s first PV mounting system for standing seam metal roofs to achieve a 1-90+ wind uplift resistance rating. The system utilizes S-5! PVKIT HUR clamps to integrate JA Solar PV modules with Butler® MR-24® roof systems, passing FM 4478 certification. The clamp design not only securely fastens the modules but also reinforces the roof structure, providing significant value in regions facing increasingly frequent extreme weather events.

2. Pegasus Unveils SkipRail Rail-Free System

In August 2023, Pegasus Solar launched the SkipRail rooftop solar mounting system. This innovative product eliminates the need for multiple rows of rails during installation through a unique clamp design. According to the company, each installation team can save approximately 10,000 pounds of shipping materials and about 2 miles of rail installation per year, while reducing roughly 1,500 roof penetrations. The system is compatible with various sloped roofs (asphalt shingle, tile, metal, etc.) and is suitable for areas with wind loads up to 160 mph and snow loads up to 40 psf.

3. Schletter Introduces FixGrid Pro Ballast-Reducing System

In August 2023, Schletter Group unveiled its new North American product portfolio ahead of the RE+ show. Among them, the FixGrid Pro flat-roof system optimizes aerodynamic design through wind tunnel testing, shifting service walkways from below the module edge to above the raised module edge, thereby reducing ballast requirements by 10%. Additionally, the company’s Tracking System 1P single-axis tracker features a patented Geneva drive mechanism, with a weight per kilowatt of less than 66 lbs—approximately 30% lighter than comparable products—substantially lowering transportation and installation costs.

4. RABLE’s Lightweight Self-Supporting Structure Goes Commercial

Dutch startup RABLE officially entered the market in 2023 with its unique cable-supported self-supporting structure. The truss design allows spans of up to 25 meters, relying solely on end supports at roof beams or rafters, with a self-weight below 15 kg/m² and no ballast required. This makes it suitable for commercial flat roofs traditionally unable to support PV systems. RABLE secured multiple local projects in the Netherlands, including an installation of over 200 modules at the Reginox factory.

5. LONGi Green Energy Obtains Support Truss Patent

In November 2023, LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd. obtained a patent for a “support truss for photovoltaic brackets, photovoltaic bracket, and photovoltaic power station” (Patent Authorization No. CN220107854U). The patent design creates a load-bearing area through bent portions of the first and second profiles, aiming to improve construction efficiency.

II. Market Landscape and Industry Dynamics

1. Global Market Size Reaches US$4.4 Billion

According to a report by Global Market Insights, the global commercial and industrial solar PV mounting systems market reached US$4.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to US$7.1 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 5.1%. The Asia-Pacific region’s market size (covering all installation scenarios, including ground-mounted) reached US$8.6 billion in 2023 and is expected to increase to US$10.6 billion by 2032. Fixed-tilt mounting technology continues to dominate the market and is projected to exceed US$4.5 billion by 2032.

2. PowerChina Announces 29 Winning Bidders in Annual Procurement

In July 2023, Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina) announced the list of 29 winning bidders for its 2023 PV mounting systems framework procurement. The procurement was divided into three packages: fixed-tilt brackets (hot-dip galvanized and zinc-aluminum-magnesium coated) totaling 50,000 tons; fixed-adjustable brackets totaling 500 MW; and distributed rooftop brackets totaling 200 MW. The procurement reflects the large-scale demand for mounting systems from major Chinese power utilities. Winning bidders such as Guoqiang Xingcheng and Mibet highlighted the competitive landscape of the sector.

3. Shanghai Electric Secures First BIPV Mounting Order

In April 2023, Shanghai Electric Power Station signed its first rooftop BIPV (building-integrated photovoltaic) mounting order with the Huailai County Data Center in Zhangjiakou. This project signified that Shanghai Electric now has the capability to independently design and develop BIPV systems, aligning with policy directives in regions such as Henan and Ningbo that require 50% of new factory roofs to be covered with PV by 2025.

III. Regional Market Developments

1. North America: RE+ Show Serves as Innovation Launchpad

In September 2023, companies such as Schletter and Pegasus gathered at the RE+ show in Las Vegas to showcase their latest rooftop PV mounting solutions. Schletter highlighted its FixGrid Pro, FS Uno, and PVMax S systems tailored for the North American market, and introduced the “Schletter House” metaverse virtual display space for the first time.

2. Europe: The Netherlands Leads Development of Existing Rooftops

Dutch startup RABLE’s solution addressed a local pain point—according to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), over 50% of commercial rooftops cannot support conventional PV systems due to insufficient structural strength. RABLE’s self-supporting structure requires no ballast, offering a viable pathway for PV development on existing buildings, aligning with the Netherlands’ goal of net‑zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

3. Asia-Pacific: China Dominates Regional Growth

The Asia-Pacific region’s market size reached US$8.6 billion in 2023, with China expected to exceed US$5 billion by 2032. Standardization and certification systems promoted by organizations such as the China Quality Certification Centre (CQC), combined with PV installation targets set by various levels of government, have collectively driven rapid expansion of the market in the region.