Solar is the fastest growing electricity-generating technology in history. But the terawatt-era of growth is bringing more scrutiny – we need to take a hard look at every input to a PV module as we balance cost reductions with supply chain security, module reliability, and embodied emissions. That scrutiny is coming to aluminum. Aluminum frames now make up one-quarter of the cost of a solar module. The metal mostly comes from China, which controls nearly 60% of the world’s smelting – and accounts for more than 80% of global heat-trapping emissions from aluminum production. Aluminum frames are also more susceptible to breakage from extreme weather and loading on trackers – a problem that has increased in recent years, as the size of modules have increased, aluminum frames have gotten smaller, and extreme weather worsens. Oh yes, and don't forget about new US tariffs on Chinese aluminum and steel. So why does replacing aluminum matter for cost, reliability, and security? Come to my live conversation tomorrow at 1pm ET for a discussion with Gregg Patterson of @OrigamiSolar and MJ Shiao of @USCleanPower about the pathway for replacing aluminum frames with US-made recycled steel. It's not just a story about frames -- it's a story about geopolitics, trade, reforming manufacturing, and making solar more reliable. Come listen and ask questions! latitudemedia.com/events/can…

Y’all this is going to be such a good conversation, particularly in the wake of uncertainty around new tariffs. Come listen and ask questions about the future of domestic solar supply chains!

Solar faces many growing pressures: supply chain disruption, increased module breakage, carbon tariffs. Could recycled steel frames help address them? Join me, @solarmj, and @OrigamiSolar CEO Gregg Patterson for a dive into steel vs aluminum frames: bit.ly/3WY2p2z