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.

Origami Solar EIA report cover image

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.

Origami Solar steel module frames environmental impact reduction chart

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.

For example, replacing just 10% of the industry’s conventional aluminum solar frames with Origami Solar steel module frames between 2022 and 2030 would reduce GHG emissions equivalent to the output of eight coal-fired power plants for an entire year.
Eight coal-fired power plants image

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Origami Solar EIA report cover image

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