Heliene & Origami partner to produce US steel-framed PV modules

US-based Heliene Inc. and Origami Solar announced a multi-year agreement to produce US-made, steel-framed solar modules. The modules would be available in North America starting in April 2025. Heliene’s 144 and 156 half-cut bifacial modules would come with Origami’s steel frames and existing aluminum options. The steel frames offered better durability than imported aluminum. They also lowered costs. The frames removed tariff risks. They improved structural strength. The frames performed well with tracker systems. They handled extreme weather effectively. The switch to steel reduced embodied carbon in module frames by over 90% compared to foreign aluminum. Heliene partnered with SOLARCYCLE for recycled glass. It worked with Suniva for US-made solar cells. It sourced silicon wafers from NorSun. These efforts supported a reliable supply chain. They also reduced manufacturing costs.