H.F.S.M. Surpasses Mechanical Test Standards

Hidden-Fastener Solar Mount (HFSM) was recently submitted to independent mechanical testing by CSA Group in order to determine maximum load capacity and failure mode.

When tested in the up-lift direction in conjunction with Unirac rails and panel clamps, HFSM maintained structural integrity up to 6x the standard load listing per UL 2703, which includes an additional safety factor of 1.5x.

“Up-lift resistance has always been HFSM's weakest aspect,” said Preston Nelson, Director of Martin Solar, and Co-Inventor of Hidden-Fastener Solar Mount. “Seeing that HFSM's weakest point endures to a load six-times greater than the standard requirement provides confidence in our mount's long-term form and function. According to this data, HFSM is one of the most resilient solar mounts available on the market, especially in direct-to-deck format comparisons, although it can be installed into trusses as well.” 

Mode of Failure: Beyond its maximum load allowance, HFSM exhibited slow deformation after 2,673lbs of total system weight. At 3,500lbs total, a panel clamp dislodged from the rail to conclude testing.

“We invented HFSM to be leak-proof, but its unique utility extends even to failure mechanics,” said Nelson. “Most all other mounting hardware on the market is totally rigid, meaning that things break during extreme up-lift events, like tornadoes, which are not uncommon in the Midwest. What breaks first? It could be a panel clamp, a rail splice, or a section of roofing. In the unique case of HFSM, the extreme forces are first absorbed over a deformation range, which divides force over space and time, similar to the function of an air bag, or bungee cord. This reduces the likelihood of hardware breakage, which only occurred in testing after HFSM reached the end of its deformation range.”

Hidden-Fastener Solar Mount is a new solar attachment for synthetic slate and asphalt shingle roofs, designed by a conjunction of solar and roofing professionals at Martin Solar and Martin Roofing, in Mascoutah, IL. HFSM features a purported leak-proof design, that avoids penetrating external shingles by locating attachments underneath the shingles via the traditional nail strip. The attachment mechanism works to preserve the integrity of the shingle roof and prevent premature problems.

Martin Solar and its Hidden-Fastener Solar Mount was recently awarded a $50,000 prize by the U.S. Department of Energy in the first phase of American-Made Solar Prize Round 8. Martin Solar is a current semifinalist in this challenge to jump-start the commercialization of U.S.-based solar innovations via financial incentives and access to the American-Made Network of laboratories, incubators, investors, and other support facilities.

This summer, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory is anticipated to announce the finalists advancing to the final stage of American-Made Solar Prize Round 8. Finalists are awarded $100,000 in prize funding, a $90,000 voucher for use at a national laboratory, and the opportunity to present at RE+. RE+ is the world's largest renewable energy exposition, scheduled this year September 8-11 in Las Vegas, NV.

Martin Solar | https://www.martinmount.net/