The company received $500,000 to support US supply chain independence and decarbonization by using domestic steel for solar module frames

Bend, Oregon – September 29, 2022 – Origami Solar, developers of a patent-pending steel frame for solar modules that lowers costs, dramatically reduces carbon emissions, and improves performance and value, has won a major prize in the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) American-Made Solar Prize competition. Origami Solar is one of two winners among 10 hardware finalists in the Go! Demo Day took place at the RE+ event in Anaheim last week.

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

Origami Solar’s innovation allows solar module manufacturers to lower costs while protecting against supply chain disruptions and enabling the energy transition by accelerating the development of domestic module production. Origami Solar module frames have unique design capabilities made possible by precision steel forming that provide superior strength and performance equal to or better than traditional aluminum frames. The roll forming process is more suited to high volume production and allows the 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 easy to manufacture and meets or exceeds all UL and IEC standards.

“We are excited and grateful to be named a grand prize winner in 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 home-made frames are essential. We believe that making solar energy greener is our moral obligations, and re-shoring the supply chain from China at a lower cost. is the culmination of that journey.”

Patterson added: “Our steel frame designs and global team of steel suppliers are uniquely able to deliver and scale this transformational solution today. We began this mission nearly three years ago aiming to bring significant and positive change to our industry and benefit the planet. We are now demonstrating our ability to deliver on this vision and lining up 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 accelerate US solar innovation through a series of competitions and the development of a diverse and powerful support network that leverages national laboratories. , energy incubator, and other resources throughout the country. The American-Made Solar Prize is funded by the US Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office and is administered and administered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

About Origami Solar
Origami Solar is the developer of a patent-pending steel solar panel frame that will revolutionize the solar industry through reduced material and manufacturing costs, high-speed domestic production, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. emissions. By sourcing steel from an established industrial ecosystem, solar module manufacturers can eliminate supply chain constraints, accelerate the transition to carbon-free energy, and level the global playground 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.