Introduction: A Wave of Innovation in Rooftop Solar Mounts

In early 2024, the global rooftop solar mounting market welcomed multiple innovative products. From AEROCOMPACT‘s foldable roof hooks to S-5!’s rail-less direct-attach systems, from DCE Solar‘s UL 3741-certified ballasted mounts to EPC Solaire’s lightweight waterproof integrated solution – manufacturers are focusing on three core directions: installation efficiency, roof protection, and extreme weather adaptability.

These new products cover various application scenarios including tiled roofs, metal roofs, and flat roofs, providing more efficient and reliable installation solutions for the further proliferation of distributed PV.

Part One: AEROCOMPACT – Foldable Roof Hooks and Flat Roof Quick-Mount Systems

1.1 COMPACTPACT XT-R: Foldable Roof Hook

In April 2024, Austrian PV mounting expert AEROCOMPACT launched the COMPACTPACT XT-R roof hook, designed specifically for tiled roofs. The core innovations of this product include:

Albert Vonbun, Head of Global Product Management at AEROCOMPACT, stated: “With our new roof hook, we are speeding up and simplifying installation and minimizing warehousing.”

The system can also be used in combination with spacers, base plate bridges, and metal replacement tiles, and can be planned and designed using the AEROTOOL software.

For regions with high snow loads, AEROCOMPACT also launched the unbreakable COMPACTPITCH XM-B metal replacement tile, which can replace concrete or clay tiles. The system features a foam wedge sealing mechanism and has been certified for watertightness by an external test laboratory.

1.2 COMPACTFLAT S_BASE: Flat Roof Quick-Mount System

In August 2024, AEROCOMPACT introduced the COMPACTFLAT S_BASE flat roof quick-mount system at the RE+ exhibition in North America.

Core Advantages:

Long-side clamping: Can accommodate PV modules up to 2.5 meters in length

Click-fit installation: Brackets easily snap into place – no tools required

Integrated ballast platform: Base integrates ballast channels, reducing point loads and ballast material usage

Lightweight design: Fewer components, lowering transport and storage costs

Applicable scenarios: Suitable for various flat roofs with uneven surfaces and soft insulation layers

AEROCOMPACT also launched the AEROTOOL.CAD plugin, allowing designers to complete full project designs within the AutoCAD environment, including layout, stringing, energy simulation, shading simulation, and ballast calculation.

1.3 COMPACTMETAL TL: Trapezoidal Metal Roof Mount

In November 2024, AEROCOMPACT expanded its COMPACTMETAL TL product line with two new models, TLE25 and TLE38, specifically designed for inter-rib spanning installation on trapezoidal metal roofs.

Technical Features:

80mm integrated bracket: No pre-drilling required; uses self-drilling screws with integrated sealing washer

Rear module ventilation: Improves module performance while providing ample space for cable management and MLPE devices

High load capacity: Withstands strong wind and snow loads

25-year warranty: Corrosion-resistant components ensure minimal maintenance requirements

Part Two: S-5! – 50 New Patents in 2024 and Rail-less Installation Breakthroughs

2.1 50 New Patents Added in 2024

In December 2024, S-5!, the global leader in metal roof solar attachment solutions, announced that it had been granted 50 new patents in 2024 alone, bringing its total patent portfolio to 194.

These patents cover multiple major markets worldwide:

European Union: 12

China: 9

United States: 8

India: 6

Australia: 4

Others: New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Costa Rica, Kuwait, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, etc.

Rob Haddock, Founder and CEO of S-5!, stated: *“Issued patents are the proof of innovation. S-5! is not just a manufacturer; we are an innovation-driven company.”*

2.2 Protea™ Rail-less Solar Mounting Solution

Most notably, the Indian Patent Office granted S-5! patent #423672-001 for its new Protea™ rail-less PV solar mounting solution, designed for mounting framed solar modules to trapezoidal metal roofs while providing certified electrical bonding and grounding.

2.3 Key Third-Party Certifications

In 2024, S-5! also achieved several significant third-party certifications:

FM 4478 certification: The Ensolro System (including PVKIT HUR 2.0) can withstand wind uplift forces up to 150 psf, suitable for high-wind and hurricane zones

Florida Product Approvals (FPA) for High Velocity and Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) – a rigorous approval for high wind zones

S-5! is the first metal roof mounting system manufacturer in its pioneering product category to achieve these industry-defining accreditations.

2.4 MLPE Mount: New Microinverter Attachment Solution

In April 2024, S-5! announced the launch of the MLPE Mount, providing a versatile method to secure and bond microinverters and power optimizers directly to the underside of solar panels mounted on metal roofs.

Product Features:

304 stainless steel body and fastener

Suitable for MLPE devices weighing less than 1.3 kg

Can be installed before lifting modules onto the roof

Can be used in rail-based installations or paired with rail-less systems

The Protea II mounting bracket, launched at the same time, fits most trapezoidal rib metal panel roofs, featuring an adjustable attachment base to accommodate different rib widths, heights, and angles, with a top length of up to 90 mm.

S-5! mounting solutions are now installed on more than 2.5 million metal roofs worldwide, representing 8 GW of rooftop solar.

Part Three: DCE Solar – Eco-Top Roof Mount Receives UL 3741 Safety Certification

In August 2024, DCE Solar announced that its Eco-Top rooftop solar mounting structure had achieved UL 3741 certification, meeting NEC 2020 requirements.

System Features:

DCE Solar offers two main options: Eco-Top High Density (20% higher capacity per square foot) and Eco-Top-MR specifically for metal roofs. All structural components are manufactured from g115 galvanized steel.

Bill Taylor, CEO of DCE Solar, stated: *“Receiving UL 3741 certification for the Eco-Top roof solution underscores our commitment to safety, innovation, and efficiency in the solar industry. This certification not only validates the quality of our product but also provides confidence to customers investing in top-tier safe solar solutions.”*

The system is suitable for flat roofs with 5° or 10° tilt, shadow spacing of 14 or 18 inches, and supports all major module brands.

Part Four: EPC Solaire – Lightweight Waterproof Integrated Rooftop Mounting System

In December 2024, French mounting system supplier EPC Solaire launched a new mounting system designed for flat roofs undergoing renovation, developed in partnership with French roofing specialist Sika and insulation material supplier Recticel.

Technical Breakthroughs:

Ferrer Payen, Managing Director of EPC Solaire, said: “We designed a solution that protects the existing ribbed metal sheet roofing, avoiding any roof exposure and operational losses. It combines full renovation of the waterproofing layer, installation of Class C insulation material, and installation of solar modules.”

The system is entirely made of aluminum produced in France and preserves the integrity of existing components.

Part Five: Summary of 2024 Rooftop Mount Technology Trends

Synthesizing early 2024 market dynamics, rooftop solar mounts exhibit the following technology trends:

Outlook

Looking ahead to the second half of 2024 and beyond, the rooftop solar mount market will continue to evolve around the following directions:

Installation efficiency revolution: Foldable designs, click-fit installation, and pre-assembled systems will significantly shorten construction time

Roof protection upgrades: Zero-penetration, lightweight, and ballasted solutions will gain more market favor

Extreme weather certification: Product certifications for hurricane zones and high snow load areas will become competitive differentiators

MLPE device integration: Dedicated attachment solutions for microinverters and optimizers will continue to expand

Digital tools: Software tools from design to planning will improve overall project efficiency

In a Nutshell

In early 2024 – from AEROCOMPACT‘s foldable roof hooks to S-5!’s 50 new patents and MLPE mounting solutions, from DCE Solar‘s UL 3741 certification to EPC Solaire’s lightweight integrated system – rooftop solar mount technology is advancing rapidly toward faster, lighter, and safer solutions.