Origami Solar Expands Product Line to Meet Growing Demand for U.S.-Made Steel Solar Module Frames
Origami Solar, a recognized leader in domestic steel solar module frames, is responding to an industry-wide shift towards stronger, more reliable steel frames for solar energy applications. As solar modules continue to grow in size and demand for durability increases, Origami Solar is expanding its product range to cater to the evolving needs of U.S. utility, commercial, and residential solar markets.
Key Aspects of Origami Solar’s Expansion
1. Market Shift to Steel Frames: The solar industry is increasingly moving towards steel frames as a preferred alternative to traditional aluminum frames. Steel offers superior strength and reliability, making it particularly well-suited for larger PV module sizes and extreme weather conditions. Origami Solar is capitalizing on this shift by providing high-performance, U.S.-made steel frames that are rigorously tested to withstand high snow and wind loads.
2. Innovative Product Offerings: Origami Solar’s new product innovations cater to various segments of the solar market, with a focus on performance, cost-effectiveness, and domestic manufacturing. Key additions to their portfolio include:
o A 30mm tall frame optimized for utility and commercial customers, offering a lower cost solution with enhanced load ratings. It is available in both glass/glass and glass/foil configurations.
o A flangeless short side frame, available in both 30mm and 35mm profiles, designed to reduce costs while maintaining frame performance.
o A residential-specific frame, available in multiple profiles, which provides significant domestic content and ensures that manufacturers can secure the IRS Domestic Content Bonus.
3. Focus on Domestic Manufacturing: A critical aspect of Origami Solar’s expansion is its commitment to U.S.-based production. All of the company’s frames are made in America, offering the benefits of rapid domestic delivery and reducing reliance on overseas supply chains. This focus on domestic content helps solar manufacturers qualify for important incentives, such as the Investment Tax Credit Bonus.
4. Research and Testing for Performance Excellence: Origami Solar’s new frames are backed by extensive research and testing, including Finite-Element Analysis and validation by top-tier third-party labs. This ensures that the frames meet industry-leading performance standards, particularly for resilience against extreme weather conditions. The company’s frames are designed to exceed industry standards, providing higher safety margins for snow and wind load capabilities.
5. Customer-Driven Innovation: The expansion of Origami Solar’s product line is driven by customer demand. Solar manufacturers, developers, and other industry stakeholders have expressed strong interest in transitioning from aluminum to steel frames. The positive customer response underscores the value of Origami’s products, which offer superior performance and reliability at competitive prices.
6. A Growing Industry: According to Wood Mackenzie, approximately 50 Gigawatts of solar power were added in the U.S. in 2024, reflecting the rapid growth of the industry. Origami Solar’s strategic expansion comes at a crucial time when demand for solar technology is soaring, and the need for more resilient, cost-effective solutions is paramount.
7. Sustainability and Reduced Carbon Footprint: Origami Solar is committed to reducing the environmental impact of solar manufacturing by sourcing steel from domestic, recycled steel supply chains. This not only lowers the carbon footprint of solar modules but also ensures that U.S. manufacturers can contribute to decarbonization efforts while supporting the domestic economy.
8. A Vision for the Future: “We started this journey of innovation with a goal of transitioning the solar industry from imported extruded aluminum to domestically produced steel,” said Gregg Patterson, CEO of Origami Solar. “The customer response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are excited to continue innovating to meet the growing needs of the solar industry.”
Key Takeaways:
• Origami Solar is expanding its product line in response to the growing demand for U.S.-made, steel solar module frames.
• Steel frames are becoming the industry standard due to their superior strength and reliability, especially for larger PV modules and extreme weather conditions.
• New product offerings include a 30mm tall frame, flangeless short side frame, and residential-specific frame designed to meet various market needs.
• All products are made in America, helping manufacturers qualify for the IRS Domestic Content Bonus.
• Origami Solar's frames are rigorously tested, exceeding industry standards for snow and wind load capabilities.
• Finite-Element Analysis and third-party testing validate the performance of the frames.
• The U.S. solar market added approximately 50 Gigawatts of solar power in 2024, reflecting rapid industry growth.
• The company is committed to reducing the carbon footprint by sourcing steel from domestic recycled steel supply chains.
• Origami Solar’s innovation supports cost-effective solar solutions while driving the industry’s transition to more resilient, American-made materials.
