Solx Partners with Origami Solar for 1 GW Factory in Puerto Rico, Boosting Domestic Manufacturing

This collaboration underscores Solx's commitment to reshoring manufacturing capacity and bolstering energy security by prioritizing domestic suppliers.

With high winds common to Puerto Rico, Solx chose Origami's frame solution to maximize structural resilience and eliminate supply chain risks associated with imported aluminum. Recent load testing data confirms that steel frames offer double the mechanical load rating of comparable aluminum-framed modules. Greater strength translates to increased resilience against severe weather, as well as potential project cost reductions via lower solar tracker mounting hardware costs.

“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.”

Last month Origami Solar announced the establishment of a high-speed automated production line in Arkansas, in partnership with Priefert Steel and DAC Robotics. The company also has domestic supply and production agreements with US Steel, Unimacts, and Welser Profile. With 100 percent US-based manufacturing capacity, Origami's steel module frames qualify as Domestic Content and add up to 8.5 percent for developers trying to qualify for the 10 percent domestic content bonus investment tax credit (ITC).

The imminent imposition of 25 percent tariffs on imported steel and aluminum will add risk and costs to already-tenuous supply chains for weaker aluminum frames. Volatile tariffs and geopolitical instability underscore the value and benefits for solar manufacturers of sourcing domestic components whenever possible. The collaboration between Solx and Origami Solar will create jobs, improve module frame performance, and enable the reshoring of manufactured components critical to securing the transition to renewable energy.

“We are proud to partner with Solx as they establish Puerto Rico’s first utility-scale solar module factory,” said Gregg Patterson, CEO of Origami Solar. “Solx’s decision to exclusively use Origami steel frames further validates the industry-wide transition to stronger, domestically produced module frames that boost solar project resilience, spur economic development, create jobs, and enhance energy security.”

Solx's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is set to begin production in July 2025, positioning Puerto Rico as a key supplier to the North American solar industry.