American steel module frame manufacturer Origami Solar recently secured supply agreements with several U.S. panel assemblers. Contracts were signed with Heliene (Minnesota), Solx (Puerto Rico), and Sirius PV (Texas). Origami Solar is expanding its frame manufacturing footprint across the United States and launched its first production line in Arkansas last month.
Beginning April 2025, Heliene’s 144 and 156 half-cut bifacial modules will be available with Origami Solar’s steel frames, alongside current aluminum frame options. The multi-year partnership between Heliene and Origami was finalized last month.
“Integrating Origami’s steel frames into our 144 and 156 HC M10 SL modules allows Heliene to offer developers a cost-effective, sustainable domestic module option,” said Martin Pochtaruk, CEO of Heliene. “This collaboration supports our mission to strengthen the domestic solar supply chain, enhance product value, and reduce environmental impact. We’re proud to give customers the choice of steel frames with these added benefits.”
Meanwhile, Solx, currently building a 1-GW panel factory in Puerto Rico, will exclusively incorporate Origami Solar’s steel frames across its product range, including large-format G12 modules.
“At Solx, we’re obsessed with quality and we are entering the module manufacturing space with a clear mission: to produce durable and high-performing modules for Puerto Rico and other extreme weather-prone U.S. regions,” said James Holmes, CEO of Solx. “Origami Solar’s steel frames are significantly stronger and, fundamentally, a better product. With increased tariffs looming on imported steel and aluminum, Origami’s low-cost domestic supply chain eliminates significant supply and pricing risk. This is our frame of choice.”
Sirius PV has achieved certification for its steel-framed modules at Intertek, enabling immediate availability for customer purchase.
“At Sirius PV USA, we are committed to increasing the domestic content of our solar modules to enhance quality, reliability and resilience,” said Ercan Kalafat, CEO of Sirius PV USA. “Our partnership with Origami enables us to offer modules that exceed 16% in combined domestic content, reinforcing our dedication to U.S. manufacturing. In addition, Origami’s new black module frame is expected to be available to our residential customers in Q3 2025.”
Recent 25% tariffs on imported steel and aluminum increase costs and risks for conventional aluminum frames, emphasizing the importance of domestic sourcing in today’s volatile trade and geopolitical climate. Origami’s 100% American-made steel frames eliminate tariff, duty, and impoundment risks, ensuring supply chain stability for solar module manufacturers.
Beyond strength advantages over aluminum, Origami frames also boost domestic content calculations for federal tax incentives. Per IRS safe-harbor guidelines, they can raise a project’s domestic content by up to 6.1% for rooftop and 8.5% for ground-mount solar projects, helping customers qualify for the ITC bonus.
“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.”
