American steel module frame manufacturer Origami Solar has recently inked supply agreements with a number of U.S. panel assemblers. Deals have been signed with Heliene (Minnesota), Solx (Puerto Rico) and Sirius PV (Texas). Origami Solar is establishing frame manufacturing sites throughout the United States and commissioned its first line in Arkansas last month.
Starting in April 2025, Heliene’s 144 and 156 half-cut bifacial modules will be available with Origami Solar’s steel frames in addition to existing aluminum frame options. This multi-year partnership between Heliene and Origami was signed last month.
“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.”
Solx, which is currently constructing a 1-GW panel factory in Puerto Rico, will exclusively use Origami Solar’s steel frames on its product lines, 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 successfully certified steel-framed modules at Intertek, making them immediately available 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 add risk and cost to already-tenuous supply chains for conventional aluminum frames, highlighting the value of domestic sourcing amid volatile trade policies and geopolitical instability. Origami’s 100% American-made steel frames eliminate all tariff, duty and impoundment risks, ensuring a stable, resilient supply chain for solar module manufacturers and their customers.
Origami steel frames not only provide superior strength over traditional aluminum frames, but they also contribute significantly to the domestic content calculation for federal tax incentives. According to the latest IRS safe-harbor guidance, Origami frames can increase a project’s domestic content by up to 6.1% for rooftop solar projects and 8.5% for ground-mount projects, enabling customers to 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.”
