In 2023, numerous rooftop PV projects using custom clamps were successfully connected to the grid, marking the maturity of this technology in solving specific installation challenges.

Largest flexible-roof project in China: On January 12, the country’s largest flexible-roof distributed PV plant was commissioned in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province. The project covers 210,000 m² of flexible roof. The key was the development of specialized bases and clamps by the power supply department, enabling efficient installation without damaging the roof.

Widespread adoption in distributed projects: Rooftop clamp applications also spread nationwide. For example, a 10 MW rooftop distributed PV project in Xinyu, Jiangxi, was grid-connected on July 28. Other projects in Wuhu and Xiangan (Xiamen) also adopted dedicated rooftop mounts and clamp systems.

Overseas success: Chinese companies took advanced clamp technology abroad. For instance, Mibet provided corrugated roof clamps resistant to strong winds and heavy snow for factories in multiple Japanese cities; Antai New Energy and GoodWe Solar also made progress in Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and other markets.

Technological Innovation: Companies Race in Patents

Innovation around “roof-specific solar clamps” was highly active in 2023, with major players building technological moats through patents.

Active patent filings: LONGi Green Energy, Trina Solar, Rixin Technology, Xujie Technology, and others secured related patents.

Core technology upgrades: Patent trends show clear upgrades focusing on simplified installation, enhanced safety, and compatibility with more roof types. For example, Rixin Technology’s clamps can directly secure frameless modules while increasing ventilation; Xujie Technology’s connectors use a “structural adhesive + self-tapping screw” double-lock to improve assembly quality; LONGi integrated PV modules with sandwich panels as a prefabricated unit, streamlining installation.

Safety Tests: Real-world Challenges from Extreme Weather

Frequent extreme weather in 2023, especially typhoons, tested the reliability of rooftop PV systems – particularly the clamps.

Harsh lessons from typhoons: In summer and autumn 2023, super typhoons such as Doksuri and Saola severely damaged coastal PV plants in southeastern China. In Fujian, one plant using flexible mounts and clamps suffered heavy losses – over 600 modules were damaged, highlighting the vulnerability of some installation technologies under extreme conditions.

Installation quality is critical: In Hong Kong, after Typhoon Saola, multiple solar panels were blown off. An installation company manager pointed to manual defects such as loose clamps and insufficient screw depth – not the technology itself – as the root cause.

Safety Alerts: Risks During Installation

Beyond extreme weather, accidents caused by improper installation practices also raised concerns. For example, in August 2023 in Fengshun, Guangdong, a worker fell to his death from a height of about 12 meters while installing rooftop PV mounts – he had not attached his safety lanyard.