US DOE advances Origami Solar to semi-finals of nationwide solar competition because of foldable module frame style

• The US Department of Energy (DOE) has actually awarded Origami Solar US$ 50,000 as well as progressed it to the semi-final round of the DOE's American-Made Solar Prize competition after being excited by the firm's folded up solar frame.

The Origami Folded Frame is a patent-pending roll-formed steel solar module frame that drastically decreases cost, decreases carbon exhausts from production by more than 85% and also "enhances efficiency as well as value", Origami Solar claimed.

The compay claimed its Folded Frame "is reduced in product cost and considerably lowers greenhouse gas (GHG) influences from production", including that it took "less time to make as well as can be sourced via US-based and also various other local or local supply chains".

" The brand-new frame is conveniently manufacturable as well as will meet all IEC and also UL requirements," it added.

The business said that while huge progress had actually been made on the cost of solar modules, the exact same might not be said for the price of frames that have actually been constructed from aluminium for 50 years "with minimal gains from new technology or expense reduction".

" It is exciting to see Origami Solar recognised by the DOE because steel frames have the possible to improve the mechanical longevity of photovoltaic panels, especially large-format designs," claimed Jenya Meydbray, CEO of downstream independent solar screening business PV Evolution Labs (PVEL).

" The decreases in price and GHG impact from changing to steel are likewise wonderful news for the market and also the planet. We look forward to evaluating these frames at PVEL very early next year."

Origami Solar will currently contend for US$ 100,000 in the following round of the American-Made Solar Prize competitors, a multi-million-dollar prize competitors designed to energise solar development in the United States.

" Changing from aluminium to steel module frames, which we have actually proven can be done, will certainly change the solar panel manufacturing industry and supply numerous advantages in lower price, minimized emissions, secure supply chains, residential task production and also included attributes," claimed Eric Hafter, CEO and co-founder of Origami Solar.

" This is a totally obtainable opportunity to additional drive solar energy development and also increase the international clean energy transition."