Domestic Steel Solar Module Frames Show 90.4% Emissions Reduction from Current Aluminum Frames
Environmental Impact (GHG) Report from Boundless Impact Research Shows Extensive Climate Benefits of Steel over Aluminum for Solar Module Frames
BEND, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Boundless Impact Research & Analytics today released the new Environmental Impact Report on Origami Solar steel module frames, which finds emissions from domestically-produced steel solar module frames to be 90.4% lower than current aluminum frames manufactured in China. The independent, rigorous, and data-driven report details the low carbon footprint associated with steel solar module frames produced domestically by Origami Solar in the US and Europe, a reliable and sustainable alternative to imported aluminum frames. Origami Solar commissioned the independent report.
“We at Meyer Burger believe that sustainability should be at the forefront of every industry, especially solar manufacturing,” said Daniel Menzel, Chief Operating Officer at Meyer Burger Technology AG. “We are proud to see the innovations being made by Origami Solar and are excited about the potential for domestic steel module frames to drive significant emissions reductions and transparency in our industry.”
The data aligns Origami Solar’s steel module frames with the mission of the Ultra Low-Carbon Solar Alliance and the Global Electronics Council’s EPEAT Ultra-Low Carbon Solar Criteria to ensure that a major component of the PV supply chain is low-carbon and to accelerate embodied carbon reductions across the solar industry supply chain. This also provides a clear, data-backed alternative to carbon-intensive aluminum frames for solar module manufacturers pursuing EPEAT registration to consider.
“To decarbonize solar manufacturing, we need to make improvements across the entire supply chain,” said Michael Parr, the Executive Director of the Ultra Low-Carbon Solar Alliance. “This updated assessment on Origami Solar’s steel frames for solar panels demonstrates significant life cycle carbon reductions as compared to commonly used imported frames made from virgin aluminum in China. Origami produces frames that can help solar panel producers meet the stringent carbon footprint standards in EPEAT.”
Origami Solar’s frames are produced via precision roll-forming of recycled steel, enabling localized production, higher performance, and reductions in embodied carbon compared to conventional aluminum extrusion techniques predominant today. The production of the Origami Solar module frames is based in the US and Europe, enabling less than one-day shipping to regional customers to reduce transportation and manufacturing costs and emissions.
“If we are going to curb the climate crisis, we are going to have to make educated decisions backed by hard data,” said Mike Gray, COO of Origami Solar. “The data here could not be any clearer: steel is a far cleaner option for the solar industry than the current industry-standard aluminum frames. Steel module frames are also superior in strength, durability and value than aluminum. The data has told the solar industry what it must do, namely switch to steel solar frames as quickly as possible. The only question now is whether the solar industry will listen.”
The full environmental impact report is available via Origami Solar’s website.
About Boundless Impact Research & Analytics:
Boundless Impact Research & Analytics is a market intelligence and impact analytics firm that provides quantitative and evidence-based research and data for investors, companies, and funds. Driven by the latest research from independent industry and academic experts, Boundless Impact Research & Analytics offers analysis, market trends, and evidence of best practices in a growing number of emerging sectors that address significant environmental challenges. Our research into emerging technologies, impact assessment of companies, and thought leadership provide investors with the latest and most relevant information to drive their investment decisions.
About Origami Solar:
Origami Solar is the developer of a patented steel solar panel frame that will transform the solar industry through reduced material and manufacturing cost, high-speed domestic production, and dramatically lower greenhouse gas emissions. By sourcing steel from an established industry ecosystem, solar module manufacturers can eliminate supply chain constraints, accelerate the transition to carbon-free energy, and level the global playing field for module production. In 2022, Origami Solar was awarded the grand prize in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) American-Made Solar Prize competition, recognizing the disruptive value and potential of a high-performance steel module frame. For more information, visit www.origamisolar.com.
About Ultra Low-Carbon Solar Alliance:
The Alliance consists of companies across the solar PV value chain committed to expanded market awareness and deployment of ultra low-carbon PV to accelerate reductions in solar supply chain GHG emissions. Learn more at https://ultralowcarbonsolar.org/.
About Meyer Burger:
Meyer Burger has been shaping the solar world for more than 40 years using innovative technologies for improved efficiency. A large proportion of the photovoltaic modules produced worldwide today are based on technologies developed by Meyer Burger. Production facilities are being built in the US in Arizona (module) and Colorado (cell) in 2024. These will be made with highest quality standard and eliminating the use of lead and toxic solvents.
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