Arkansas gets a solar boost as Origami Solar ramps up frame production

Origami Solar, headquartered in the US, has established its first automated solar module frame manufacturing line at Priefert Steel’s facility in Benton, Arkansas. The collaboration with Priefert Steel and DAC Robotics aligns with the growing need for domestic production as 25% tariffs on imported steel and aluminum take effect. The automated system converts steel coils into complete solar frames, incorporating customer-specific lengths, hole punching, and corner key insertion. DAC Robotics' custom automation integrates final assembly and packaging, improving manufacturing efficiency. Priefert Steel, which has supplied the solar industry since 2017, contributes roll-forming expertise for precision manufacturing. According to Origami Solar, steel frames offer greater strength, a 90% lower carbon footprint, and faster domestic transport than imported aluminum alternatives, reducing risks tied to overseas supply chain delays and instability. Origami Solar has also recently expanded manufacturing with Unimacts in Houston.