a new report has found that emissions from domestically produced steel frames for solar modules are 90.4% lower than those from current aluminum frames manufactured in China. The independent report of Limitless impact research and analysis was commissioned by Steel Frame Startup Origami solar energy.
The data aligns Origami Solar’s steel module frames with the mission Ultra-Low Carbon Solar Alliance and the Global Electronics Council’s EPEAT Ultra-Low Carbon Solar Criteria to ensure a key part of the PV supply chain is low-carbon and accelerate embodied carbon reductions across the solar industry supply chain. This also provides a clear, data-driven alternative to carbon-intensive aluminum frames for solar panel manufacturers EPEAT to consider registration.
“To decarbonize solar energy production, we need to make improvements across the supply chain,” said Michael Parr, executive director of the Ultra Low-Carbon Solar Alliance. “This updated assessment of Origami Solar’s steel frames for solar panels demonstrates significant life cycle CO2 reductions compared to commonly used imported frames made from virgin aluminum in China. Origami produces frames that can help solar panel manufacturers meet the stringent carbon footprint standards in EPEAT.”
Origami Solar’s frames are produced via precision roll forming from recycled steel, allowing for local production, higher performance and reduction of the amount of carbon in the body compared to conventional aluminum extrusion techniques that dominate today. Production of the Origami Solar module frames takes place in the United States and Europe, allowing one-day shipping to regional customers to reduce transportation and production costs and emissions.
“If we want to curb the climate crisis, we will have to make informed decisions, backed by hard data,” said Mike Gray, COO of Origami Solar. “The data here couldn’t be clearer: steel is a much cleaner option for the solar industry than the current industry standard aluminum frames. Steel module frames are also superior in strength, durability and value to aluminum. The data has told the solar industry what it needs to do, which is move to steel solar frames as quickly as possible. The only question now is whether the solar industry will listen.”
News item from Origami Solar
