Why Patents Matter: How Innovation in Mounting Systems Supports Solar Installers

We’re still early in the history of solar, but we’ve come a long way since our company’s original
founding more than 20 years ago by two Dutch solar installers who recognized the need for
high-quality rooftop mounting hardware.

Innovation in solar doesn’t just happen in the lab—it happens on the roof. For over two decades,
Enstall has worked alongside installers to transform solar mounting from a patchwork of parts to
a precise, high-performance system. What started with simple waterproof flash mounts has
evolved into today’s advanced solutions—solutions that cut install time, improve safety, and
reduce cost. Behind this evolution is a commitment to thoughtful engineering, rigorous testing,
and yes—patented innovation.

What is a Patent?

At its core, a patent is a legal right that gives inventors the ability to make, use, import, and sell
an invention for a set period of time. In the solar world, that means a mounting innovation like a
clamp or bracket can be protected—so the people who put in the work and expense to design
and develop it can achieve the fruits of their efforts and keep improving it.

In North America, patents are granted through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and
typically last 20 years. In Europe, the European Patent Office offers protections that must be
validated country by country. At Enstall, we hold patents across North America and Europe,
tailored to the local innovations and markets we serve.

Across all the Enstall entities we have over 120 patent families with over 700 patents all over
the world. This represents the largest patent holding of all the solar racking manufacturers
worldwide and protects the dominant solar innovations that enable the success of our business
units.

A History of Installer-Driven Progress

Back in the early days of solar, installers made do with whatever they could find—unistrut, 2x4s,
and hope. As solar scaled, so did the need for standardized, reliable mounting solutions. Enstall
brands like EcoFasten and QuickMount were among the first to provide truly code-compliant,
roofing-friendly systems that respected both the array and the building beneath it.
We’ve never stopped innovating.

Today, our development teams, guided by the voice and needs of the installer, have led the
industry in breakthroughs like open-channel rails for integrated wire management, tool-free
clamps for faster installs, and precision-engineered hooks for tile roofs around the world.
The RockIt System: Rail-Free, Not Risky

An example of how innovation and patents go hand in hand is with Eco-Fasten’s RockIt System.
RockIt System, one of our most recognized innovations, is a rail-free racking platform that
delivers the speed and simplicity installers want, with the strength and adaptability they need.
Designed for use with standard modules, RockIt includes top-down leveling, a sleek front skirt,
and preassembled components that reduce parts on the roof. The RockIt System has 16 issued
and active patents and 1 patent pending focused on the highly innovative leveling system, the
“rocking In” method of module installation, and the non penetrating foot.

And we’re not stopping there. Our Horizon Team is already testing the next generation of
rail-free innovation, fine-tuning details to make your installs even smoother.

Why Patents Play a Role

Every patent we hold represents a solved problem, a faster process, or a better way to get the
job done. Our intellectual property strategy isn’t about protection for protection’s sake—it’s about
making room for real innovation. When we invest in new ideas, we do it with confidence
because we know we’ve done the research, engineering, and design work to support them.
Patents help us build smarter—and ensure that the tools we deliver to installers are optimized,
reliable, and thoughtfully developed.

Innovation You Can Trust

From the knockout tile to integrated grounding clamps, every Enstall innovation is backed by
engineering excellence, real-world testing, and a focus on the installer’s experience. That’s what
makes them last. And that’s what gives installers confidence that their system won’t just work
today—it will work for decades.

Looking Ahead

Solar is changing fast. Roofs are changing. Weather is changing. Expectations are changing.
But what won’t change is our belief in innovation that starts from the rooftop and builds up.
Because when you’re working at height, you want tools that have been thoughtfully designed,
thoroughly tested, and shaped by real experience. That’s what we build. That’s why we
innovate. And that’s the power of patents with purpose.