Origami Solar has commissioned its Arkansas factory for steel solar panel frames
It is 1st of the several automated module frame manufacturing lines on location
This factory will eliminate risky overseas supply chains and provide companies with local content for their projects, it said
On the heels of US President Donald Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum, steel solar panel frame manufacturer Origami Solar has begun commercial operations of its Arkansas, US factory.
The White House’s recent mandate of a 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum falls under Section 232, which will come into effect on March 12, 2025. It will likely impact the solar industry since steel mainly finds use in ground-mounted installations given its sturdiness and corrosion resistance. Aluminum, on the other hand, is a more cost-effective solution for mounting structures and frames.
At such a time, Origami has commissioned the 1st of many state-of-the-art automated module frame manufacturing lines at Priefert Steel’s Benton, Arkansas factory. It has developed the factory in collaboration with Priefert Steel and automation partner DAC Robotics.
Origami Solar CEO Gregg Patterson said, “Delivering cost-effective steel module frames leverages a robust and ready U.S. steel manufacturing industry, creates jobs, and enhances the security and reliability of the solar supply chain.”
It claims that steel module frames offer superior strength, 90% lower carbon footprint, and quick 1-2 day domestic transport, thus eliminating the risks associated with weaker imported aluminum frames and risky overseas supply chains, which are subject to delays, geopolitical instability and tariffs.
From corner insertion to frame stacking, banding, and palletizing, the factory is highly automated thanks to DAC’s robotics automation streamlining the production process. It has integrated in-line final assembly and packaging as well, thus ensuring precision and eliminating waste.
An August 2022 independent testing of Origami's steel frames by TECSI Solar found these superior to aluminum ones, both in terms of rigidity and stability (see Origami Solar Steel Frames Superior To Aluminium).