With the acceleration of the global energy transition, the photovoltaic (PV) industry experienced explosive growth in 2023. As the "skeleton" of PV power plants, the roof-mounted solar panel mounting systems (PV mounting structures) market achieved significant breakthroughs in both market size and technological iteration. From the Chinese market to the international stage, from technological innovation to policy drivers, the roof PV mounting industry presented a new landscape of diversification, intelligence, and internationalization.

1. Market Continues to Expand, Scale Reaches New Highs

In 2023, the PV mounting market steadily climbed. According to China Commercial Industry Research Institute data, China's PV mounting market size reached 190 billion yuan in 2022, up 8.6% year-on-year. It was projected to reach 210 billion yuan in 2023 and further increase to 253 billion yuan in 2024. In terms of enterprise shipments, the "2023 Top 20 China PV Mounting Enterprises" list showed that Jiangsu Guoqiang Xingsheng Energy Technology Co., Ltd. ranked first with shipments of 20,148 MW, followed by Jiangsu Arctech Solar, Antai Technology Clean Energy, and others.

Meanwhile, the global PV tracker market performed strongly. According to the latest report from Wood Mackenzie, global PV tracker shipments grew 28% year-on-year in 2023, reaching 92 GW. Among them, the top three companies accounted for more than 50% of global tracker shipments, and the top ten suppliers accounted for 90% of the global market share. By region, the United States remained the world's largest single market for PV trackers, exceeding 37 GW; Spain followed, accounting for more than 50% of tracker demand in Europe.

2. Accelerated Technological Innovation, Upgraded Product Iteration

In 2023, a number of innovations and products emerged in the roof PV mounting field, making important breakthroughs in waterproofing, ease of installation, structural stability, and other aspects.

Waterproofing and Integrated Design Became Highlights

In January 2023, Rixin Technology obtained a utility patent for "Integrated Waterproof PV Mounting Structure and Roof PV System". The patent uses a mesh structure formed by the first purlin, second purlin, and tie members to achieve full-roof integration of PV modules and mounting systems, effectively solving roof waterproofing issues.

In May 2023, Huanghe Company Xinye Industry obtained a utility patent using quick-install rail technology, overcoming technical difficulties of low strength and high material consumption of traditional T-shaped color-coated steel sheet roof PV mounts, effectively reducing the investment cost of distributed PV.

New Products Showcased at International Exhibitions

In 2023, several companies showcased their latest roof PV mounting solutions at international exhibitions. At Intersolar South America 2023, Antai Technology exhibited the MetaRoof series roof mounting solutions. Made of high-performance customized aluminum alloy, they feature ultra-light weight and strong corrosion resistance, suitable for all scenarios including flat concrete roofs, tiled roofs, and metal roofs. In addition, Antai Technology launched a new roof PV design platform "SolarAID", promoting intelligent design for PV roof mounting systems.

International Innovative Products Gained Attention

In August 2023, Pegasus launched the SkipRail roof solar mounting system, developed over four years. The system's unique clamp design eliminates whole rows of rails, mounts, clamps, and roof penetrations, greatly saving materials and speeding installation. It is estimated that it could save a typical installation team about 10,000 pounds of shipping materials per year.

Dutch start-up RABLE launched a self-supporting solar mounting system in 2023, specifically designed for commercial flat roofs with weaker load-bearing capacity. Since more than half of commercial roofs in the Netherlands cannot bear traditional solar panels, RABLE's innovative solution enables solar installation without retrofitting, allowing more building owners to use renewable energy.

3. Policy Support Increased, Residential PV Ushers in New Opportunities

In 2023, China's National Energy Administration continued to strengthen policy support for distributed PV. Regarding residential PV management, the NEA planned to conduct in-depth research and introduce policies to further promote the healthy development of residential PV and standardize industry order, clarifying definitions, filing, construction, grid connection, consumption, operation & maintenance, and supervision requirements.

In terms of grid connection, in June 2023 the NEA issued a notice on pilot work to assess the carrying capacity of distribution networks for distributed PV, establishing a mechanism for assessment, publication, review, improvement, and supervision.

At the local government level, the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Natural Resources, Department of Forestry, and Energy Administration jointly issued a notice in September 2023 clarifying encouragement to build distributed PV projects on existing building roofs, facades, and idle spaces in front and behind houses.

4. Companies Accelerate Overseas Expansion, Deepen Internationalization

With strong global PV market demand, Chinese PV mounting companies accelerated their overseas expansion. In the first half of 2023, China's PV product exports exceeded US$29 billion, up about 13% year-on-year. The number of GW-level markets worldwide is expected to increase from 26 in 2022 to 32 in 2023.

Antai Technology's Chairman Huang Shita said overseas market space is vast, and global PV installations are expected to maintain an annual growth rate of 50% in the coming years. Since 2023, Antai Technology has secured tracker orders for large-scale ground projects including 470 MW in Uzbekistan, 300 MW in Spain, 200 MW in Brazil, and 100 MW in Myanmar. By the third quarter of 2023, Antai Technology's cumulative global PV mounting shipments had exceeded 30 GW.

Additionally, 29 companies including Guoqiang Xingsheng and Mibet were shortlisted for China Power Construction's 2023 PV mounting framework procurement project, including 50,000 tons of fixed mounts, 500 MW of adjustable mounts, and 200 MW of distributed roof mounts. Leading companies such as Arctech also plan to accelerate expansion into the Middle East and Latin America markets.

5. Authoritative Certifications and Gradual Improvement of Industry Standards

Important progress was made in safety certification for roof PV mounting systems in 2023. In January 2023, FM Approvals granted the first FM 4478 certification for a rigid roof PV system – Sika Sarnafil's Sika SolaRoof system. In June 2023, Centroplan's SolaRoof Metal system became the first rigid standing seam metal roof PV system to achieve Class 1-90+ wind uplift resistance certification, providing higher safety assurance for commercial and industrial building roof PV installations.

6. Outlook: Opportunities and Challenges Coexist

Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, the roof solar panel mounting system industry will maintain rapid growth. China's PV mounting market size is forecast to reach 253 billion yuan in 2024. Driven by policy support, technological innovation, and market demand, the roof PV mounting industry is expected to see even broader development space.

At the same time, the industry faces many challenges: how to further reduce system costs, improve installation efficiency, enhance waterproofing and structural safety performance, and meet differentiated demands across countries and regions – these remain issues companies must continuously tackle. As the global energy transition accelerates, roof solar panel mounting systems, as an important part of the PV industry chain, will undoubtedly play an even more critical role in the green energy revolution.