I. Industry Milestone: First PV System with Wind Uplift Rating 1‑90+ Receives FM Approval

June 14, 2023 – FM Approvals, a globally recognized property insurance and certification organization, announced that Centroplan’s SolaRoof Metal commercial rooftop PV system had officially received FM 4478 certification, becoming the world’s first rigid‑module mounting system for standing‑seam metal roofs to achieve a wind uplift rating of 1‑90+.

The system utilized PVKIT HUR mounting clamps developed by S‑5!, Butler® MR‑24® roof panels, and JA Solar PV modules. FM Approvals’ testing covered internal and external fire resistance, wind uplift resistance, hail resistance, electrical safety, and gravity loading (withstanding a snow load of 120 lb/ft²). “We are pleased to see the introduction of the first FM‑approved PV system for standing‑seam metal roofs,” said Cy Ketchum, materials engineer at FM Approvals. “Market demand for products with higher wind‑uplift certifications is growing steadily.” This certification provides authoritative technical validation for solar installations on commercial and industrial buildings in regions prone to hurricanes and blizzards.

II. Technology Trend: Rail‑less Systems Accelerate Replacement of Traditional Solutions

July 3, 2023 – Metal Architecture, an industry leading publication, published a feature article by Rob Haddock, founder of S‑5!, systematically outlining the advantages of rail‑less solar mounting systems for metal roofs and pointing out that this approach is driving a shift in industry practices.

The article noted that while traditional railed systems are widely used on various roof types, rail‑less solutions directly utilize the standing seams of metal roofs as “natural rails” to achieve a zero‑penetration installation, better preserving roof integrity and manufacturer warranties. Data showed that rail‑less systems reduce component weight by up to 85% compared to conventional systems, lower hard‑material costs by 35%, cut installation labor by 30–50%, and provide improved load distribution. “Rail‑less assemblies are lighter, easier to handle—especially on steep‑slope roofs—and installers can easily navigate around obstacles without cutting rails on site, or even adjust module layouts as needed,” the article emphasized. Because each attachment point directly connects the PV module to the roof, load distribution is 25% more uniform than with traditional rail systems.

III. Company News: SnapNrack and S‑5! Announce Strategic Partnership

August 29, 2023 – San Luis Obispo, California – SnapNrack, a leading manufacturer of solar mounting solutions, and S‑5!, a leading authority in metal roof PV attachments, announced a strategic partnership to launch integrated kit solutions.

Under the agreement, SnapNrack will combine several of S‑5!’s metal roof attachments—including CorruBracket™, SolarFoot™, ProteaBracket™, VersaBracket™, and the S‑5‑N™ Mini—with its All Purpose L‑Foot into a single kit. This integrated solution simplifies the installation process, eliminating the need for installers to assemble components from different manufacturers on the roof, thereby reducing steps and potential errors. “As a company that started as installers, we’ve always focused on making solar installation easier through pre‑assembled hardware and simplified processes,” said Andrew Wickham, SnapNrack’s director of product and engineering. “Partnering with S‑5! continues that tradition. We’re excited to work with the global leader in metal roof attachments to simplify metal‑roof solar installation for everyone.” The joint solution was showcased at RE+ 2023 in Las Vegas from September 12–14.

IV. Trade Show Spotlight: Global Mounting Companies Present Solutions in Europe

October 12–14, 2023 – ZeroEmission Mediterranean 2023 was held in Rome, Italy, where numerous global PV mounting system companies showcased metal‑roof solutions tailored for the European market.

Chinese solar mounting supplier Huge Energy prominently featured its aluminum alloy rooftop system, which offers high corrosion resistance and is suitable for various roof types such as colored steel tiles, ceramic tiles, flat tiles, and asphalt shingles, without compromising the original roof’s waterproofing. At the exhibition, Huge Energy signed authorized partnership agreements with several Italian suppliers, wholesalers, and local EPC teams, accumulating a total contracted installed capacity of 15 MW. Notably, technical personnel from the Italian military also visited the booth to engage in in‑depth discussions on the design concepts and latest technologies of PV mounting systems, reflecting the growing interest in solar mounting technology across diverse sectors.

V. Real‑World Validation: Metal‑Roof PV System Withstands Category 5 Hurricane

October 25, 2023 – Category 5 Hurricane Otis made landfall in Acapulco, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 270 km/h. The unexpectedly powerful hurricane caused catastrophic damage to local infrastructure.

However, post‑storm assessments revealed a remarkable finding: the rooftop PV system on the Grupo Comercial Chedraui supermarket in the area remained almost completely intact, while adjacent un‑solarized roof sections suffered severe wind uplift failure.

The supermarket’s PV project had been completed by EPC company Energía Real just one month before the hurricane. It comprised 538 Trina Solar 545W modules, totaling 293 kWp. The system utilized S‑5!’s PVKIT® rail‑less mounting system and S‑5‑MX™ Mini clamps. Post‑disaster on‑site photos clearly showed that the roof areas with PV modules—even at the edges where wind pressures were highest—remained undamaged, while adjacent bare roof sections were completely torn off. Engineers analyzing the event concluded that the PV clamps acted as “external seam clamps,” effectively increasing the roof’s wind uplift resistance by 300% (based on third‑party testing data from 2013). S‑5! noted that this case demonstrates that metal‑roof PV systems not only remain safe and reliable under extreme weather conditions but can also enhance the overall integrity of the roof structure by reinforcing the roof panels.