Boundless Impact Research and Analytics
Boundless evaluated the life cycle inputs and environmental impacts of an Origami Solar steel module frame produced in the United States and Germany, with aluminum module frames manufactured in China. This study uses a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) methodology, meaning Boundless included material sourcing (mining and/or recycling), refining and processing, transportation, and production in their independent study to calculate the GHG Footprint and Fossil Energy Footprint associated with each solar module frame.
Environmental Impact Report
Comparing Origami Solar steel solar module frames to traditional aluminum module frames.
GHG Footprint: This metric represents the life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from the production, manufacturing, and transportation of each module frame. It is reported in kilograms (kg) carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per frame produced.
The results are compelling.
The current aluminum frames utilized by the solar industry contribute 217 tonnes of CO2 per MW of solar. A simple switch to recycled steel would reduce that environmental impact to only 29 tonnes of CO2 per MW.
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