Company receives $500,000 to support U.S. supply chain independence and decarbonization by utilizing domestic steel for solar module frames

BEND, Ore., Sept. 29, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Origami Solar, developers of a patent-pending steel frame for solar modules that lowers cost, dramatically reduces carbon emissions, and improves performance and value, has taken the grand prize in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) American-Made Solar Prize competition. Origami Solar was one of two winners among 10 hardware finalists in the competition’s Go! Demo Day that took place at the RE+ event in Anaheim last week.

The company was awarded a $500,000 cash prize and $75,000 support voucher to accelerate market adoption of their game-changing technology, bringing their total award throughout the American-Made Solar Prize competition to $650,000 in cash and $150,000 in support vouchers. The Solar Prize helps advance new innovations that will enable rapid deployment of solar energy and achieve the Biden-Harris administration’s decarbonization goals.

Origami Solar’s innovation allows solar module manufacturers to lower costs while protecting against supply chain disruptions and enable the energy transition by facilitating domestic ramp-up of module production. Origami Solar module frames have unique design capabilities enabled by precision roll forming of steel that delivers superior strength and performance equal to or better than traditional aluminum frames. The roll forming process is better suited to high-volume production and allows steel to be optimized in ways that bring features and functionality to the finished frame.

The use of steel also significantly reduces production-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, according to an independent report recently released by Boundless Impact Research and Analytics. Origami’s steel module frame is readily manufacturable and meets or exceeds all UL and IEC standards.

“We’re excited and grateful to be named a grand prize winner of this prestigious competition,” said Gregg Patterson, CEO of Origami Solar. “In this next chapter for the solar industry, energy independence is no longer optional; improved performance and domestically produced frames are essential. We believe that making solar energy greener is our moral obligation, and re-shoring the supply chain from China at lower costs is the culmination of that journey.”

Patterson added: “Our steel frame designs and worldwide group of steel suppliers are uniquely able to deliver and scale this transformational solution now. We started this mission almost three years ago aiming to bring significant and positive change to our industry and benefit the planet. We now have demonstrated our ability to deliver on this vision and have lined up the strategic partners to make it happen.”

About the American-Made Solar Prize
The American-Made Solar Prize is a multi-million-dollar prize competition designed to energize U.S. solar innovation through a series of contests and the development of a diverse and powerful support network that leverages national laboratories, energy incubators, and other resources across the country. The American-Made Solar Prize is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office and directed and administered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Learn more.

About Origami Solar
Origami Solar is the developer of a patent-pending steel solar panel frame that will transform the solar industry through reduced material and manufacturing cost, high-speed domestic production, and dramatically lower greenhouse gas emissions. By sourcing steel from an established industry ecosystem, solar module manufacturers can eliminate supply chain constraints, accelerate the transition to carbon-free energy, and level the global playing field for module production. The company’s leadership team has successfully developed utility-scale solar projects, commercialized PV components, and launched and led several renewable energy companies. For more information, visit www.origamisolar.com.

Contact:
Gene Hunt
Trevi Communications for Origami Solar
978-750-0333 x.101
gene@trevicomm.com

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Origami Solar Wins Top Award in U.S. DOE's American-Made Solar Prize

Origami Solar Chairman Eric Hafter (L) and Tyler Hudson, Product Engineer