Origami Solar readies second-gen steel module frame for certification testing

May 23, 2023 09:47 AM ET
  • Steel photovoltaic panel frame supplier Origami Solar revealed that its second-generation frame is now ready for evaluation as well as certification testing. This 2nd variation is lighter as well as gives improved architectural efficiency compared to the first-generation prototype.

The steel solar module frame represents a substantial opportunity to interrupt risky Eastern supply chains by leveraging local steelmaking sources to finish the solar sector's reliance on imported aluminum. Leveraging the considerable investment in united state module production capability by sourcing domestic steel frames can lower costs, create jobs, and use domestic web content rewards in the Inflation Decrease Act.

" Origami Solar steel module frames will certainly assist increase our power independence, dramatically minimize the solar market's carbon footprint, and also enable uncontrolled local-region panel production," said Gregg Patterson, Chief Executive Officer of Origami Solar. "Our Gen 2 frames are lighter, more powerful and ideally fit to provide remarkable support to the new large-format modules pertaining to market. In partnership with steelmakers and also precision roll formers, we have actually designed the Origami steel module frame to match the fit, form as well as feature of industry-standard frames, making the change from aluminum to steel smooth for module production and area installation."

" We are excited to partner with Origami Solar to develop their ingenious and cutting edge steel module frames," stated Thomas Welser of Welser Profile, an international manufacturer of roll-formed steel products. "Our goal throughout this process has actually been to support Origami Solar to make sure that any type of photovoltaic panel producer will have the ability to swiftly incorporate and also scale these frames with basically no changes to their production procedures, in both the united state as well as Europe. Along With Origami Solar we have optimized the style and also are dealing with further innovations that will address future market requirements."

" Steel is an earth-abundant source that can be made on every continent, making use of which in trackers, racking, installs, and tubes is currently commonly accepted by the solar industry," claimed Mathew Arnold, Chief Executive Officer of Unimacts. "We are thrilled to collaborate with Origami Solar to swiftly help with the change from imported aluminum to locally made steel frames."

Along with support for boosted production of domestically produced recycled steel, Origami Solar frames will decrease production-related greenhouse gases by up to 93%, standing for a decrease of 80 kg per module or 200 metric tons per megawatt, through making use of recycled or "green" steel. With performance testing by third-party labs and also module producers nearing completion, Gen 2 production-ready frames are now available for evaluation testing by module makers as well as key partners throughout the solar value chain.


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