Heliene solar modules with Origami Solar steel frames coming this April
North American solar module manufacturer Heliene Inc. continues to onshore much of its supply chain, this week announcing a multi-year agreement with Origami Solar to source its U.S.-made, steel frames. Heliene modules with Origami steel frames will be available starting in April.
Origami steel frames will be available in addition to existing aluminum frame options for Heliene’s 144 and 156 half-cut bifacial modules.
“Integrating Origami’s steel frames into our 144 and 156 HC M10 SL modules enables Heliene to offer developers an affordable and sustainable domestic module,” said Martin Pochtaruk, CEO of Heliene. “This partnership aligns with our mission to strengthen the domestic solar supply chain while optimizing product value and minimizing environmental impact. We’re proud to offer steel frames as an option for customers seeking these benefits.”
Origami Solar steel frames
Origami’s steel frames provide a compelling cost advantage over domestic aluminum and eliminate the tariff and supply chain risk of imported aluminum frames. The Origami Solar frames also deliver a significant strength advantage versus weaker foreign aluminum frames. As module sizes grow and extreme weather events become more frequent, Origami’s rigorously tested steel frames outperform aluminum and help to solve emerging challenges in module fragility.
Origami’s steel frames provide more than just immediate cost savings; their domestically produced supply chain eliminates all duty, tariff, and impoundment risks. Furthermore, the switch to steel reduces embodied carbon in module frames by over 90% vs foreign aluminum.
“Our steel module frames provide a robust, 100% domestically sourced solution for solar module manufacturers like Heliene, as well as developers and EPCs seeking to reduce costs, improve performance and ensure a reliable domestic supply chain,” said Gregg Patterson, CEO of Origami Solar. “Origami Solar’s steel frames offer superior strength, enhancing the durability and long-term performance of solar assets from shipping to end-of-life. Heliene is a leader in delivering domestically sourced modules, and we look forward to driving the industry-wide transition to steel-framed PV modules together.”
Heliene’s domestic supply
Heliene’s commitment to a resilient, domestic supply chain is further demonstrated by recent partnerships with SOLARCYCLE, securing recycled glass for its modules, Suniva, incorporating U.S.-made monocrystalline silicon solar cells into its manufacturing and NorSun, sourcing U.S.-made silicon wafers.
