Martin Solar Patents Hidden-Fastener Roof Mount
The Illinois manufacturer's H.F.S.M. system installs beneath shingles and is designed to support a leak-free attachment guarantee.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Energy
Martin Solar has received a patent for its Hidden-Fastener Solar Mount (H.F.S.M.), which installs beneath the shingle courses through the traditional nail-strip area so the upper shingle course covers the fasteners. The company also named H.F.S.M. a finalist in the U.S. Department of Energy's American-Made Solar Prize Round 8.
Why it matters
The company says the approach is intended to reduce the potential for water intrusion over the life of a roof, a concern for homeowners with rooftop solar. Longer-term ownership of residential systems through leases and power purchase agreements could increase scrutiny of rooftop attachment systems.
The manufacturer cites a minimum roof service life of 25 years supported by its leak-free guarantee, versus conventional attachments that may depend on sealants around penetrations. Independent field performance data for the system has not been reported.
The players
Martin Solar
An Illinois-based manufacturer of solar mounting products that makes its products in Illinois from American aluminum and distributes them nationwide through ABC Supply Co.
U.S. Department of Energy
The federal department that runs the American-Made Solar Prize, in which H.F.S.M. was named a finalist in Round 8.
The details
The H.F.S.M. installs beneath the shingle courses through the traditional nail-strip area, and the upper shingle course covers the fasteners. Martin Solar also plans to showcase a patent-pending Dual-Channel Solar Rail at RE+.
Timeline
Nov. 17-19, 2026: Martin Solar plans to showcase H.F.S.M. at RE+ in Las Vegas.
Roadmap
Rooftop solar attachment systems have long depended on sealants such as caulk or butyl at roof penetrations, and Martin Solar's hidden-fastener design represents a departure from that approach. As residential solar ownership shifts toward leases and power purchase agreements, long-term roof durability is likely to draw more attention to how these mounts are attached.
Homeowners considering rooftop solar may see mount designs that keep fasteners out of view and rely less on sealants around penetrations. Buyers can ask installers which attachment method is used and what leak-free guarantee applies to the roof.
The takeaway
A hidden-fastener mount shifts the roof-protection question from sealant longevity to the mechanical attachment design, so it is worth comparing guarantees when evaluating rooftop solar options.
What happens next
Martin Solar plans to showcase the H.F.S.M. and a patent-pending Dual-Channel Solar Rail at RE+ in Las Vegas on Nov. 17-19, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more Energy coverage tied to Illinois developments in rooftop solar.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Roofing Contractor.
