Heliene and Origami Solar’s Groundbreaking Partnership to Boost U.S. Solar Industry
In a landmark move for the North American solar industry, Heliene Inc. and Origami Solar have announced a multi-year agreement that marks a significant advancement in solar module technology and manufacturing practices. This collaboration promises to deliver steel-framed solar modules to the U.S. market, a development set to transform the domestic solar landscape starting in April 2025.
Heliene, a renowned North American solar module manufacturer, will integrate Origami Solar’s durable steel frames into its already successful bifacial solar modules. These steel frames are designed to offer a superior alternative to aluminum, combining strength, resilience, and sustainability. By pairing Heliene’s high-performance modules with Origami’s steel frames, the two companies are working to address the growing need for robust and cost-effective solar products that can withstand increasingly harsh weather conditions and the strain of larger module sizes.
The steel frames from Origami Solar come with numerous benefits, both immediate and long-term. They offer cost-effective solutions by eliminating the tariffs and supply chain risks associated with imported aluminum. As global supply chains for materials such as aluminum face increasing volatility, steel frames sourced domestically help safeguard the continuity of solar module production. The durability of these frames also far surpasses that of traditional aluminum, as they are rigorously tested to perform under extreme weather conditions, making them ideal for the larger, bifacial modules that are becoming more popular in utility-scale projects.
Furthermore, Origami Solar’s steel frames are designed to be sustainable. The switch to steel drastically reduces the embodied carbon in module frames by over 90% compared to foreign aluminum. By providing a fully domestically sourced product, Origami is not only reducing the carbon footprint but also promoting U.S.-based manufacturing, which is crucial for meeting renewable energy goals. This partnership supports domestic content incentives, aligning with the United States' push for energy independence and manufacturing resilience.
Heliene’s commitment to a resilient, sustainable supply chain is reinforced by its ongoing collaborations with other industry leaders. For instance, Heliene has secured recycled glass for its modules through a partnership with SOLARCYCLE, and is incorporating U.S.-made monocrystalline silicon solar cells and U.S.-made silicon wafers in its production processes with Suniva and NorSun. These efforts, combined with the introduction of Origami’s steel frames, represent a holistic approach to manufacturing that prioritizes both environmental responsibility and the strengthening of the domestic solar industry.
As a result of these strategic moves, Heliene is positioning itself as a leading player in North America’s clean energy transition. The company aims to provide developers with affordable and high-performance solar modules while minimizing the environmental impact. By working together, Heliene and Origami Solar are driving the solar industry towards a more sustainable and economically viable future.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Heliene and Origami Solar have formed a multi-year partnership to supply steel-framed solar modules to the U.S. market.
• Origami’s steel frames provide superior strength and durability compared to aluminum, making them ideal for extreme weather conditions and larger module sizes.
• The partnership supports the domestic solar supply chain, reducing reliance on imported materials and minimizing tariff-related risks.
• Steel frames significantly reduce the embodied carbon of solar modules by 90% compared to foreign aluminum.
• Heliene is integrating recycled glass, U.S.-made silicon cells, and domestic silicon wafers into its manufacturing, making the process more sustainable.
• The new steel-framed modules will be available for developers starting in April 2025.
• This collaboration is a milestone in solar technology, offering cost-effective, strong, and environmentally responsible solutions for solar power generation in North America.
