1. Patent Innovations: Multi‑Dimensional Technology Upgrades

In 2024, domestic and international companies filed numerous patents for clamp technology innovations, focusing mainly on improving installation efficiency, enhancing adaptability, optimising clamping structures, and accommodating new module types.

1.1 Improving Installation Efficiency: Rectangular‑Head Bolts & Pre‑Assembled Designs

Installation efficiency is the primary driver of clamp innovation. In 2024, several companies significantly reduced installation time through structural optimisation.

Rectangular‑head bolt design: GameChange Solar announced in July 2024 that its rectangular‑head bolt design had received UL 2703 certification. This patented bolt effectively prevents pull‑out under extreme high winds. The elongated bolt head can be hooked onto the inside of the module frame during installation, allowing one‑handed nut tightening, saving labour time compared to traditional two‑handed methods. The design also reduces the number of bolts required between modules and mounts, lowering material cost without sacrificing load capacity.

Pre‑assembled & quick‑fit structures: Jiangsu Runyang Photovoltaic Technology obtained a patent for a “PV panel clamping installation bracket” in December 2024. The design uses a rotating plate, clamping components, and spring linkages to achieve rapid clamping and easy removal, and is compatible with modules of various sizes.

1.2 Enhancing Adaptability: Adjustable Clamps & Multi‑Scenario Compatibility

Facing diverse module sizes and complex roof structures, clamp versatility and adjustability became key competitive differentiators.

Adjustable thickness & width: Jiangsu Xinbo New Material Technology obtained a patent for a “mounting structure for roof solar PV modules” in November 2024. Using clamping blocks, adjustment bolts, and screws, the structure can easily clamp modules of different thicknesses and adjust their tilt angle, saving labour. GCL Oriental New Energy Technology obtained a patent for a “fixing device for roof corrugated steel sheet PV modules” in December 2024, which uses adjustment mechanisms and angle adjustment mechanisms to solve the problem of clamps being unable to fit different corrugated sheet sizes and to adjust the module angle for optimal sunlight incidence, improving conversion efficiency.

Multi‑angle & multi‑form installation: GoodWe, in large projects during 2024, customised “standing seam clamps” for its lightweight module products. These clamps can be installed non‑invasively (without drilling) using clamp fixation or adhesive bonding.

1.3 Optimising Clamping Structures: Combining Stability and Flexibility

Clamping reliability is fundamental to long‑term plant stability. In 2024, several patents focused on improving clamping security and structural innovation.

Guide‑surface clamping design: Risen Energy obtained a patent for a “clamping device, PV mount, and PV system” in December 2024. The device uses a guide surface on the base to guide the first and second clamping blocks to move relative to each other, clamping the edges of adjacent PV modules and effectively ensuring installation stability.

Multi‑point clamping & flexible connections: Xifu Electric Technology obtained a patent for a “PV module installation clamp” in November 2024. The clamp, together with protective gaskets, creates water drainage gaps, reduces wear on beams and module frames from bolts, and provides adaptive clamping along module corners, offering protective fixation for the four corners of the carrier plate, beams, and modules. LONGi Green Energy also obtained a patent for a “flexible PV mount anchor structure” in 2024, using a rotating connector to achieve flexible connection between the cable and fixing member, improving anchoring technology for flexible mounts.

1.4 Accommodating Special Modules: Dedicated Clamps for Flexible Modules & BIPV

As PV applications diversify, specialised clamps for unique module types have emerged.

Flexible module installation: In the GAC Era 13.6 MW flexible module project in Guangdong, a “mounting adhesive solution” combining clamps and rails was used. Clamps were fixed to metal roofs, then lightweight flexible modules were bonded to the rails with structural adhesive, balancing system stability with the lightweight, flexible characteristics of the modules.

BIPV & lightweight roof compatibility: GoodWe‘s Galaxy lightweight PV series is designed for lightweight roofs and can be fixed by clamps or adhesive, without drilling, avoiding leakage risks and reducing roof load. Chongqing Engineering Company obtained a patent for a “standing seam metal roof balance clamp” in May 2024, specifically for distributed PV on colour‑coated steel sheet roofs, allowing rail level adjustment by shifting the clamp’s centre of gravity.

2. Major Project Applications: Validating Efficiency and Reliability

In 2024, clamp‑related technologies were deployed in several large‑scale projects, fully validating their efficiency and reliability.

GAC Era 13.6 MW flexible module project: Mibet‘s standing seam clamps could be stably installed on different types of standing seam metal roofs, with a simple, robust structure compatible with various PV modules, achieving both system stability and cost savings.

Kingclean Electric distributed PV plant: Facing double typhoons “Bebinca” and “Pulasan”, GoodWe‘s custom standing seam clamps showed no loosening, and the plant operated normally, fully validating reliability under extreme weather.

3. Market Trends: Lightweighting, Standardisation, and Localisation

Market dynamics in 2024 revealed clear industry paths in technology evolution and business strategy, laying a foundation for future development.

Lightweighting & pre‑assembly: Manufacturers are developing lighter, more modular mounting systems. These designs improve corrosion resistance and make transport and installation more efficient, reducing labour costs.

Compatibility & modularity: Clamp designs are trending toward modularity and compatibility to suit a wider range of rail systems and module types. GoodWe‘s custom clamps for its lightweight module products exemplify system integration trends.

Localisation & globalisation in parallel: Although market reports on PV clamps focus mainly on China, leading companies are expanding globally through partnerships, joint ventures, and local manufacturing to enter high‑growth markets.

4. Standards & Certifications: Building Quality Barriers

The formulation and revision of industry standards are important signs of industrial maturity. Several key standards made progress in 2024.

UL 2703 certification: This standard is a key safety entry barrier for PV mounting systems in North America, covering mounting systems, clamps/fastening devices, and grounding terminals. In 2024, GameChange Solar‘s rectangular‑head bolt design obtained UL 2703 certification, an authoritative recognition of its structural safety and electrical continuity.

Domestic industry standards: The release of China‘s “General technical specification for PV mounts” (T/UNP 193‑2024) and other standards provides a unified technical basis for the design, manufacture, and inspection of mounts and clamps.