Automated Grid-Scale Solar Panel Installation is 3 Times Faster: Robotics Can Also Be Used for Surveying and Site Layout

     Automated solar panel installation at grid-scale solar facilities looks set to become a standard procedure as it reduces the time of installation significantly and reduces errors and the number of workers required. Sarcos Robotics, now Palladyne AI, launched its solar panel robot installer in 2024. According to an April 2023 article in Electrek, before the company launched the installer, they noted the configuration. The company is involved in industrial IOT and automation at solar panel manufacturing facilities as well.

“During the field trial, Sarcos worked with builder Mortenson, lift company JLG Industries, solar tracker firm Array Technologies, and engineering and product development firm Pratt Miller at a Mortenson project site.”

“The Sarcos Robotic Solar Module Installation Solution consists of an autonomous working vehicle featuring the Guardian XM intelligent manipulator robot and an autonomous delivery vehicle that optimizes the flow of solar panels from delivery to installation. The system delivers, detects, lifts, and places solar panels using computer vision and AI software.”

     Looking at some of the comments of that article shows that some workers are quite happy with the automation, as larger panels requiring “team lifts” are not everyone’s favorite. Workers can spend more time and effort on inspection and adjustment rather than heavy lifting, although fewer workers will likely be required.

     Electrical contracting company Rosendin announced in April that, in collaboration with ULC Technologies, it will demonstrate an autonomous solar panel installation at a site near Dallas, Texas, that will have 1.8 million solar panels on 5,300 acres. From the press release:

“This innovative 3-piece robotic system will transform utility-scale solar projects by tripling installation speeds, enhancing worker safety, and addressing the industry’s persistent labor shortage.”

“Rosendin’s Renewable Energy Group (RREG) will host the live exhibition at a large-scale solar energy project under construction in West Texas. Operators will demonstrate the robot’s features, which include autonomous operations, obstacle detection and avoidance using LiDar, maneuverability across uneven terrain, and precise positioning of PV panels within 2mm using GPS and KMZ mapping. A real-time demonstration will show how skilled electrical teams work alongside the robotic system, collaboratively installing PV panels faster, safer, and more efficiently.”

     They note that a previous demonstration project yielded a three times increase in deployment time. The robotics system is powered by a hybrid gas and electric system.

“…includes a Panel Setting Robot featuring a tracked, construction-grade robotic platform with an integrated robotic arm and 9-vacuum suction cups to lift and place PV panels precisely. Two Panel Carrying Robots work in tandem to transfer pallets of PV panels between the loading area and the installation point, eliminating downtime with a consistent supply.”

     According to EE Power:

“The two carrier robots can hold about 30 to 35 panels, each of which can measure up to 4 by 8 feet and weigh between 80 and 100 pounds. The robot placing the panels uses an arm with air knives and eight suction cups to lift each panel and set it in place. Skilled workers help guide the panel and then fasten the hardware and the electrical connections.”

     Past demo results showed that a two-person crew could install panels three times faster than a three- or four-person crew without the robotics system. That is a cost no-brainer when looking at scale. The workers would also have to walk far less, as much as one-tenth of the time as without robots. Plans for the future include developing a monitoring system and central control, allowing several robotic installation teams to operate simultaneously.

     A few years ago, I wrote about the use of drones for surveying and inspecting solar farm sites. These days, the use of ground-based wheeled autonomous vehicles is commonly used for surveying and site layout. Company Civ Robotics is deploying its Civ Dot four-wheeled robots, each of which “can mark up to 3,000 layout points per day and is accurate within 8 millimeters.” The bots operate with precise GPS technology and are accurate even in rough terrain. Using the bots means saving significant amounts of money on surveying personnel and equipment rental. The bots run on batteries. Civ Robotics is backed by Alleycorp, FF Venture Capital, Bobcat Company, Newfund Capital, Trimble Ventures, and Converge. Total VC funding to date is $12.5 million.

Video Link Below

Clean energy gets a robot boost

     I think that because these robotics solutions save so much time and money, they will quickly become standard in the industry. They will increase already fast solar deployment times, make solar a little bit cheaper, and a little bit less labor-intensive.  

     

 

References:

 

Autonomous Robots Install Solar Panels 3 Times Faster. Keren Hanson. EE Power. May 8, 2025. Autonomous Robots Install Solar Panels 3 Times Faster - News

This US company made an autonomous robot that installs solar panels. Michelle Lewis. Electrek. April 13, 2023. This US company made an autonomous robot that installs solar panels

These little robots are changing the way solar farms are built, saving time and money. Diana Olick. CNBC. August 20, 2025. These little robots are changing the way solar farms are built

Precise, Simple & Efficient Construction Layout. Civ Robotics. Robotic Surveying Equipment & Construction Layout Robot | Civ Robotics

Rosendin to Demonstrate Robotic Solar Installers at Texas Job Site. Rosendin. Press Release. April 7, 2025. Rosendin to Demonstrate Robotic Solar Installers at Texas Job Site | Rosendin Electric