Why does it matter if solar module frames are made of steel or aluminum?
A reckoning is upon us. Climate science shows that deep decarbonization of the electric grid, transportation sector and heavy industry is the only path forward. The PV industry isn’t as ready for the transition as you might think, because of an often-overlooked component, the aluminum solar module frame.
Using aluminum for module frames contributes 80kg of GHG per frame and 217 tonnes of CO2 per MW. Switching to steel module frames delivers approximately 90% reduction in GHG.
Solar’s outsized carbon footprint is unsustainable. And unnecessary.
Solar modules makers can quickly and easily switch to Origami Solar’s steel frame that is backwards compatible with current module assembly and installation methods, while vastly reducing environmental impact, lowering costs, and utilizing domestic steel ecosystems to eliminate supply chain constraints.
Whether it’s generating electricity or manufacturing solar modules, concentrating production in one place increases the risk that supply disruptions will bring everything to a halt. We need resilient and localized supply chains, now more than ever.
Precision roll formed steel provides a solution that meets or exceeds all of the industry UL and IEC standards for loading, corrosion, continuity and many other critical elements.
