Innovation News

Martin Solar Invention Wins First Phase of Dept. of Energy Solar Prize Round 8

First-of-its-kind solar mount is one of 20 semi-finalists nationwide

Martin Solar's Hidden Fastener Solar Mount as one of 20 semifinalists in the American-Made Solar Prize Round 8. — Martin Solar's Hidden Fastener Solar Mount is designed for asphalt shingle and composite slate roofs, eliminating the need to create holes in the roofing. Unlike typical mounts that penetrate all layers, HFSM is installed beneath the roofing layer and attaches to the traditional nail strip.
— Image courtesy of Martin Solar

After reviewing more than 150 novel solar industry innovations, reviewers from the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office elected Mascoutah, Ill.-based Martin Solar's Hidden Fastener Solar Mount as one of 20 semifinalists in the American-Made Solar Prize Round 8.

The company announced its progress in a news release on Tuesday. As it progresses to the next competition stage, the startup will receive a $50,000 prize.

Martin Solar describes its Hidden Fastener Solar Mount as a unique attachment intended for asphalt shingle and composite slate roofs that avoid creating holes in the external roofing layer.

Unlike most solar mounts, which attach to the shingle and penetrate all roof layers, HFSM is installed underneath the roofing layer, attaching through the traditional nail strip. The attachment mechanism preserves the roof's integrity, guaranteeing long-term leak-free function for the lifetime of a new roof.

The company says its HFSM has been installed in residential and commercial projects and has weathered numerous seasonal cycles with zero complaints or failures. Inventors Matt Brendel and Preston Nelson have a pending patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

While Martin Solar is developing a proprietary rail system, the current model is compatible with rails from multiple major manufacturers.

The Solar Prize Round 8 awards more than $4.2 million throughout a multi-stage competition to advance U.S. solar innovations and speed up the entrepreneurial process. Competitors have access to the American-Made Network, which comprises more than 550 organizations, including world-class experts at the U.S. Department of Energy's 17 national labs, clean technology accelerators, business incubators, universities, and more.

Current semifinalists have until April to demonstrate further development of their innovations to be one of 10 finalists that win a second cash prize, plus $90,000 in vouchers to fund national laboratory testing. Finalists will also advance to the third and final competition, where they will pitch their solutions at the RE+ conference in September, and two grand prize winners will be announced.