What PanelClaw does

PanelClaw, Inc. is a U.S.-based designer and manufacturer of flat roof photovoltaic (PV) mounting and balance-of-system solutions for commercial and industrial buildings. Founded in November 2007 and headquartered in North Andover, Massachusetts, with a European regional headquarters in Amsterdam (rebranded as PanelClaw Europe in June 2024 from the former CPX entity), the company has installed more than 10.5 million modules across 15,000+ projects spanning 35+ countries and 47 U.S. states. PanelClaw is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Enstall (formerly ESDEC Solar Group since the 2020 acquisition), which collectively operates the largest U.S. solar mounting hardware group alongside sister brands EcoFasten and IronRidge.

The company's product portfolio centers on two generations of flat roof racking — the original clawFR system (launched 2019) and the next-generation clawFRplus (2024) — both available in 5°, 10°, and dual tilt configurations with ballast-only, fully attached, or hybrid installation options. Underlying technology includes proprietary tool-less module clamping, integrated wind deflectors that reduce ballast requirements, ZAM (zinc-aluminum-magnesium) coated structural steel delivering 3–5x better corrosion resistance than standard G90 galvanization, and 17+ years of boundary layer wind tunnel testing that feeds the Automated Wind and Seismic Design (AWSD) software. Complementing the hardware is an integrated digital platform — clawOS and clawOS Pro for cloud-based structural design and permit package generation (with AutoCAD and Helioscope integration for projects up to 30,000+ modules), clawLogic for real-time order tracking, clawIQ for e-learning, and the MyPanelClaw customer portal. Certifications include UL 2703, UL 3741 PV Hazard Control, ASCE 7-16/7-22, SEAOC PV1/PV2, 100% FEOC domestic content compliance, and independent DNV technology assessments for both product generations.

PanelClaw generates revenue primarily from hardware sales of racking systems and accessories (Wire Management Suite), supplemented by subscription-based access to clawOS design software and professional services from its dedicated Technical Services group (applications engineering, permitting assistance, AHJ navigation). Go-to-market combines a territory-based U.S. direct sales organization with distribution partnerships (Greentech Renewables, BayWa r.e. Solar Systems), certified installer networks, financial partners for PPA/lease financing (Sunwealth), and validated module, inverter, and storage compatibility across major OEMs (JA Solar, REC, Jinko, Trina, Canadian Solar, Longi, Hanwha Q CELLS, Yotta Energy, Sungrow, Fronius, SMA, and others). The company targets commercial and industrial property owners, solar developers, EPCs, and installers across projects ranging from 5 kW to 20 MW per roof.

Name

PanelClaw

Legal name

PanelClaw, Inc.

Website

https://panelclaw.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

PanelClaw designs and manufactures flat roof solar PV racking systems for commercial and industrial buildings across North America and Europe, selling its clawFR and clawFRplus mounting platforms through direct sales, distribution partners, and integrated cloud-based design software.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Solar Mounting Hardware

NAICS

Hardware Manufacturing (332510), Custom Roll Forming (332114)

SIC

Sheet Metal Work (3444)

akta.pro primary industry

Solar Mounting, Racking & Trackers (Fixed-Tilt, Single/Dual-Axis, Rooftop Mounts) (EUAMABAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Solar Mounting, Racking, Trackers & Structural BOS Manufacturing (EUAMAHAC), PV Mounting & Tracking Systems (Fixed-Tilt, Single-/Dual-Axis Trackers) (EUACAGAD), Solar Roofing & Roof-Mounted PV Systems (IMADAFAO), Flashing, Edge Metal & Roof Accessories (IMADAFAJ)

Keywords

• Flat roof racking
• Solar mounting systems
• PV balance of systems
• Rooftop solar hardware
• Solar racking hardware

Headquarters

HQ city

North Andover

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Flat Roof Solar Racking Hardware: PanelClaw generates revenue from manufacturing and selling PV racking systems including clawFR, clawFRplus, and associated components (modules connectors, rails, wind deflectors, bases, cams, bolts). The company offers products configured for different tilt angles (5-degree, 10-degree, dual tilt) and installation types (ballast only, fully attached, or hybrid). Wire management accessories and mechanical attachment components are also sold as part of the product portfolio.
2. Software Platform Subscriptions: Digital tools including clawOS and clawOS Pro provide cloud-based structural design capabilities. The MyPanelClaw portal provides access to digital tools, technical learning content, and order management. These platforms accelerate PV project development from design through permitting.
3. Technical Services and Support: PanelClaw provides technical design services, applications engineering, and technical support through dedicated Technical Services group. Field Technical Services team assists partners with complex permitting challenges, AHJ navigation, insurance requirements, and engineering specifications.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

PanelClaw designs, manufactures, and sells flat roof photovoltaic mounting and balance-of-system racking hardware, including the clawFR and clawFRplus platforms in 5-degree, 10-degree, and dual tilt configurations with steel structural members, wind deflectors, and proprietary mounting claws. The company complements the hardware portfolio with cloud-based design software (clawOS), order tracking (clawLogic), and an e-learning platform (clawIQ), serving commercial and industrial solar projects ranging from 5 kW to 20 MW on a single roof.

Product overview

PanelClaw offers a portfolio of flat roof solar racking solutions centered on two generations of mounting systems: the original clawFR and its enhanced successor clawFRplus, which is now recommended for all new projects. Both systems are available in 5°, 10°, and dual tilt configurations and are complemented by a Wire Management Suite of accessories. The company provides an integrated digital platform including clawOS (cloud-based structural design software with clawOS Pro variant for large-scale projects), clawLogic (order tracking), MyPanelClaw (customer portal), and clawIQ (e-learning). All products are manufactured in the USA with FEOC compliance and backed by comprehensive documentation and support services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• clawFRplus: Enhanced flat roof solar racking system with improvements for large format solar module compatibility, featuring Class A fire ratings, module-level mechanical load listings, and a 25-year limited product warranty.
• clawFR
• clawOS
• clawLogic
• clawIQ

Products and services

• clawFRplus Enhanced flat roof solar racking system recommended for all new projects, featuring simplified installation with fewer parts, tool-less module attachment, and higher wind and snow load support. Available in single tilt (5-degree and 10-degree) and dual tilt (10-degree) configurations for commercial and industrial flat roof PV installations.
• clawFR Original flat roof racking system and foundation of the clawFR platform. Continues to be available and fully supported for existing projects, though clawFRplus is recommended for all new projects. Available in 5-degree, 10-degree, and dual tilt configurations for commercial and industrial flat roof PV installations.
• Wire Management Suite Complete wire management solution for rooftop PV electrical systems, including Wire Clip, Wire Router, Homerun Clip and Cover, and Homerun Clip XL components. Snap-on or bolt-on installation to pre-punched holes simplifies DC conductor routing and minimizes DC losses for commercial and industrial solar projects.
• clawOS Cloud-based structural design platform for PV projects using clawFR and clawFRplus mounting systems. Automates complex design steps, generates structural permit packages, and supports array layout editing with AutoCAD import capabilities and project management with revision control for projects with 30,000+ modules.
• clawLogic Real-time order tracking and procurement oversight platform that consolidates document access and order status details into a single interface, providing live shipment tracking, downloadable Bill of Lading documents, invoice status, and BOM management for PanelClaw customers.
• clawIQ Comprehensive e-learning platform delivering in-depth instruction on PanelClaw racking solutions, installation best practices, and digital tools through structured, self-paced training modules for both office and field personnel.
• Legacy Flat Roof Products (Polar Bear, Grizzly Bear, Kodiak Bear, Sun Bear, Panda Bear) Historical flat roof and ground mount racking products including Polar Bear III HD (5-degree and 10-degree), Polar Bear III FirstSolar, Grizzly Bear Gen I and II, Kodiak Bear, Sun Bear foundation-based system, and Panda Bear ballasted system. All legacy products remain supported through their respective warranty periods.

Quantifiable outcome

• 99.997% reliability track record with less than 10 warranty claims over 1,600 projects
• +4 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and supporting.

• EnstallflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 June 2024Parent company relationship. Enstall is a leading provider of solar panel mounting systems with operations in North America and Europe. PanelClaw joined Enstall family (formerly Esdec Solar Group) in 2020. The company is part of Enstall family of brands including EcoFasten and IronRidge, collectively forming the largest solar mounting and racking hardware group in the U.S.
• BayWa r.e. Solar Systems LLCcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 14 January 2022Leading U.S. distributor of solar and energy storage components with nationwide locations serving installers, contractors, distributors, electricians. Provides tailored solutions for procurement, forecasting, business planning, financial management, sales and marketing, and technical product knowledge.
• Greentech RenewablescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner providing renewable energy products with tools, resources, and services for designing, financing, selling, and installing PV and energy storage solutions. Core values of Service, Integrity, and Reliability guide customer relationship cultivation.
• Anchor ProductssupportingTechnology or IntegrationThird-party mechanical roof attachment partner. clawFR and clawFRplus compatible with U-Anchor Series 2000 attachments tested for vertical and horizontal strength when combined with PanelClaw systems.
• OMG Roofing ProductssupportingTechnology or IntegrationThird-party mechanical roof attachment partner. Products tested for fit and strength compatibility with clawFR and clawFRplus systems.
• JA SolarsupportingTechnology or IntegrationModule manufacturer partner ensuring mounting system compatibility with JA Solar modules. Complete module compatibility tables available in Technical Library.
• REC SolarsupportingTechnology or IntegrationModule manufacturer partner ensuring mounting system compatibility with REC Solar modules.
• Jinko SolarsupportingTechnology or IntegrationModule manufacturer partner ensuring mounting system compatibility with Jinko Solar modules.
• Trina SolarsupportingTechnology or IntegrationModule manufacturer partner ensuring mounting system compatibility with Trina Solar modules.
• Canadian SolarsupportingTechnology or IntegrationModule manufacturer partner ensuring mounting system compatibility with Canadian Solar modules. Also inverter compatibility partner for UL 3741 hazard prevention listing.
• Longi SolarsupportingTechnology or IntegrationModule manufacturer partner ensuring mounting system compatibility with Longi Solar modules.
• Hanwha Q CELLSsupportingTechnology or IntegrationModule manufacturer partner ensuring mounting system compatibility with Hanwha Q CELLS modules.
• Yotta EnergysupportingTechnology or IntegrationEnergy storage partner ensuring SolarLEAF (SL-1000) and DPI Microinverter can be mounted seamlessly on clawFR and clawFRplus flat roof racking platforms.
• DNVcoreTechnology or IntegrationIndependent technology assessment provider conducting rigorous examination of product testing documentation, design methodology, manufacturing, quality control, and operations and maintenance procedures. Concluded PanelClaw poses no atypical risks.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• IronRidge: Sister company within Enstall that designs and manufactures solar mounting hardware for residential and commercial pitched-roof and ground-mount applications. Direct peer as a co-owned Enstall brand competing for installer shelf space and overlapping U.S. solar racking customers.
• EcoFasten: Enstall sister brand offering solar roof attachments and mounting systems primarily for residential and light commercial pitched roofs. Direct peer under shared Enstall ownership, addressing overlapping installer customers with adjacent product categories.
• K2 Systems: Germany-based manufacturer of solar mounting systems for pitched, flat, and ground-mount applications across Europe and North America. Direct competitor in flat roof commercial racking, with comparable engineering depth and international reach.
• Schletter Group (now part of RBI Solar): German manufacturer of solar mounting structures for ground-mount, flat roof, and carport applications, with strong presence in Europe and growing U.S. footprint. Direct peer competing for commercial flat roof and ground-mount racking projects.
• Unirac: U.S.-based manufacturer of PV mounting and racking solutions for residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar. Direct peer with overlapping flat roof and pitched roof product lines, well-established distribution, and similar bankability profile.
• Everest Solar Systems: U.S. division of K2 Systems offering flat roof, pitched roof, and ground-mount racking primarily to commercial installers. Direct peer in the flat roof C&I segment with comparable engineering documentation and certification posture.
• RBI Solar: U.S. manufacturer of solar mounting systems for ground-mount, flat roof, and carport applications, serving commercial and utility-scale customers. Direct peer with comparable engineered racking solutions and overlapping C&I/utility customer base.

Broad incumbents

• Array Technologies: U.S.-listed, large-scale solar tracker manufacturer (utility-scale focus) that is expanding into distributed generation and commercial markets. Broad incumbent with overlapping mounting/racking capabilities but primarily serving utility-scale, not flat roof C&I.

Emerging players

• Sunmodo: U.S. manufacturer of flat roof, pitched roof, and ground-mount solar racking targeting residential and commercial installers. Emerging player with meaningful but narrower product portfolio and growing presence in flat roof C&I.
• Quick Mount PV: U.S.-based manufacturer of solar roof attachments and waterproofing solutions, formerly part of the Esdec/Enstall family. Adjacent peer focused on roof attachments and waterproofing that complement racking systems, with overlapping commercial installer customers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/PanelClaw
• Facebookfacebook.com/panelclaw
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/panelclaw-inc.
• Instagraminstagram.com/panelclaw
• Xx.com/panelclaw

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about PanelClaw