Sacramento, California-based solar module manufacturer and a subsidiary of SPI Energy Co. Ltd., Solar4America (S4A) recently showcased its latest steel frame large-size module at RE+ 2024 in Anaheim, California.
During a conversation with TaiyangNews, the VP of sales and marketing of Solar4America, briefly gave an overview of the new steel frame module at the show.
This steel-framed module, featuring 144 half-cells, is available in a range of power classes from 550 W to 580 W. The steel frame, made of low-carbon recycled steel, is sourced from US-based Origami Solar, says the company. Its recent inclusion into the module bill of material (BoM) reduces the production-based carbon footprint and bolsters the domestic supply chain for the module maker. According to the company, this made-in-US steel frame will increase the ITC-qualified domestic content from 5.3% to 7%. The steel frame enhances the module’s mechanical strength and mitigates the risk of cell microcrack generation during installation and transportation, added the company.
This module is expected to be commercially available in the US market by early 2025.