Esdec, a European solar rooftop mounting solutions provider, announced that it has acquired EcoFasten Solar, which specializes in the design, engineering and manufacture of water-tight solar roof mounts and components for the U.S. residential and commercial sectors. The combination of Esdec and EcoFasten Solar creates a major solar rooftop mounting player with 5 GW installed worldwide.

Esdec and EcoFasten Solar are both known for their innovative, quick-to-install, reliable mounting systems. EcoFasten Solar’s patented rail-less racking and mounting for multiple roof types have supported over 3 GW of U.S. installations, with the company projected to supply just under 500 MW in 2018. Esdec, the Netherlands’ largest mounting manufacturer with 1.9 GW of its systems installed across Europe, has seen increasing adoption of its FlatFix commercial flat-roof offering, fueling the company’s expansion into the U.S. market earlier this year.

“Esdec and EcoFasten Solar are a perfect fit,” said Stijn Vos, global CEO of Esdec. “Both companies have proven track records in launching differentiated products that serve the needs of installers and support them in their daily business. By combining these two customer-oriented forces, we are providing installers, distributors and the market with a very compelling, diversified product offering for both pitched and flat roof projects.”

EcoFasten Solar founder and roofing expert Brian Stearns started his Phoenix-based company to bridge the gap between solar array designers and the people who install those systems. Stearns will be instrumental in product development and utilizing the combined R&D resources of both companies to deliver even more efficient and reliable residential systems for the U.S. market.

“Esdec and EcoFasten Solar are cut from the same cloth,” he said. “We each have roots as roofers and solar installers and listen carefully to our customers’ needs, and we also share a relentless drive for innovation. I’m looking forward to helping the Esdec and EcoFasten brands reach the next level together, while focusing on what I love to do most working closely with the installer community, developing new products, and bringing them quickly to the market.”

Esdec successfully launched its U.S. subsidiary at the Solar Power International trade show earlier this year and is ramping up operations from its Atlanta headquarters. In addition to the EcoFasten Solar line, Esdec’s U.S. product offerings include the FlatFix system, a lightweight, clickable solar mounting system for flat commercial and industrial roofs. Esdec also recently celebrated the opening of its new Innovation Centre in the Netherlands, where the staff will work closely with the EcoFasten Solar team to fast-track the research, development and commercialization of new racking and mounting products for the U.S. and European markets.

The Ecofasten brand and its products will remain under Esdec ownership.

News item from Esdec