A rooftop solar PV system installed at ISOCINDU’s building envelope manufacturing plant in Silao, Guanajuato, is helping power operations while demonstrating how lightweight mounting technology can unlock solar deployment on insulated metal panel (IMP) roofs.
IMPs are widely used in industrial manufacturing facilities but can pose challenges for rooftop solar due to their lightweight structure. To address this, the project utilised a rail-less solar mounting system from S-5!, a global manufacturer specialising in attachment solutions for metal roofs.
ISOCINDU, a Mexican manufacturer of IMPs used in industrial and commercial construction, implemented the project as part of its ongoing sustainability and energy efficiency strategy, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and optimising energy consumption.
Engineered and installed by EPC contractor COREY ENERGY, the system comprises:
- 863 solar modules rated at 585 W each
- Six SMA three-phase inverters of 62 kW
- মোট installed capacity: 504.86 kWp (DC) / 375 kW (AC)
The system is expected to generate approximately 909,000 kWh annually, covering around 88% of the plant’s electricity demand, a significant contribution to on-site distributed generation.
Growing rooftop solar adoption in Mexico
The project reflects the increasing uptake of rooftop solar PV among industrial manufacturers in Mexico, as companies seek to manage electricity costs and decarbonise operations through renewable energy investments.
The solar array is mounted on the plant’s trapezoidal four-rib IMP roof using the PVKIT® rail-less system from S-5!, combined with the Protea™ Bracket. This configuration enables direct attachment to the roof panel ribs while minimising structural load.
By eliminating traditional rails, the solution reduces the overall weight of the system—an essential factor for buildings not originally designed to accommodate solar installations.
Structural considerations
The ISOCINDU facility was initially designed to support only the roof’s structural load, with no provision for a future solar PV system. Upon evaluating the additional weight, the maintenance team determined that reinforcement would be required to ensure safe installation.
A structural engineer confirmed that a conventional rail-based PV system would exceed the roof’s load-bearing capacity. However, a rail-less mounting approach required only minimal reinforcement.
S-5!’s solution was ultimately selected for its:
- Lightweight design
- Structural performance
- Low-profile, clean aesthetic
Installation approach
According to the project team, the PVKIT rail-less system simplifies installation by reducing the number of components compared to conventional mounting structures, while maintaining secure attachment to the metal roof.
For ISOCINDU, the project demonstrates how industrial rooftop solar can be effectively integrated into existing facilities, reducing reliance on grid الكهرباء and supporting long-term decarbonisation goals.
“The ISOCINDU plant presented a unique challenge: finding a mounting system that would not add excessive weight and could adapt to the height of the ISOCOP panel profile,” said Frank Armas, Project Manager at ISOCINDU.
“After testing several mounting options, including traditional rails, the flexibility and versatility of S-5!’s system proved निर्णitive.”
About S-5!
Founded in 1992 by a recognised expert in metal roofing, S-5! is a leading authority in attachment solutions for metal roofs. Its non-penetrating clamps and lifetime brackets enable the installation of a wide range of rooftop applications while preserving roof integrity and warranties.
Manufactured in the United States, S-5!’s systems are deployed on more than 3 million metal roofs worldwide, including over 10 GW of installed rooftop solar capacity, offering high levels of durability and performance.
For more information, visit: es.s-5.com
