The solar industry is embracing automation with robots now being used to build solar farms. Companies like Planted Solar and Built Robotics are developing robots for various construction tasks, from site preparation to module installation. Amazon, for instance, is already using this technology for a solar park powering its data centers.
Benefits of Automation
Several factors are driving the adoption of robots in solar farm construction:
- Increased Efficiency: Robots often work faster and more accurately than humans, leading to shorter construction times.
- Cost Reduction: Companies like AES claim robots can halve construction costs.
- Reduced Labor Needs: Automation addresses the ongoing labor shortage in the construction industry.
- Smaller Footprint: Robot-assisted construction can require less land for solar farms.
"We want to automate to save money. The labor shortage will just force it faster." - Evan Riley, White Pine Renewables
Challenges of Automation
Despite the benefits, some challenges remain:
- High Initial Costs: Acquiring and maintaining robots is expensive.
- Limited Capabilities: Robots cannot yet perform all tasks, particularly those involving heavy lifting or uneven terrain.
- Flexibility Issues: Adapting robots to different site layouts and construction plans can be complex.
- Regulatory Uncertainty: Clearer regulations regarding robot use in construction are needed.
"It’s off the charts compared to other markets...in terms of the scale, the repetitiveness of the work and the appetite from the customers." - Noah Ready-Campbell, Built
While the use of robots in solar construction is promising, it's still early days. As technology evolves and costs decrease, we can expect to see wider adoption in the future.
