ULC Technologies, a developer of advanced robotic solutions for the energy sector, has partnered with Rosendin, an electrical contractor, to create a robotic system aimed at improving safety and efficiency in photovoltaic (PV) solar module installation.
The partnership is focused on reducing construction timeframes, enhancing worker safety, and supporting the growth of renewable energy.
The robotic solution, which has already undergone field trials on utility-scale solar construction sites, consists of three autonomous systems working in tandem with human operators.
The system includes a panel-setting robot and two panel-carrier robots designed to streamline the installation process at mid to large-scale solar facilities.
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The panel-setting robot is a construction-grade tracked platform equipped with a robotic arm. It works semi-autonomously to position solar panels, with field operators assisting to guide the panels into place and secure them with fastening hardware and electrical connections. The two panel-carrier robots are responsible for transporting pallets of solar panels between the loading area and the installation site, ensuring a continuous flow of panels and minimising downtime.
Designed to handle the harsh conditions often found at solar construction sites, the robots are built to endure high temperatures and navigate challenging terrain, including deep mud and uneven surfaces. The rapid development of these systems saw ULC move from concept to field trials in just 18 months.
In extensive field testing, the robotic system demonstrated the ability to install solar panels at a rate of under one minute per panel. During a typical 10-hour shift, the robots, along with a two-person crew, could install up to 600 panels. This marks a significant improvement over traditional installation methods, which rely heavily on manual labour. Given that large solar farms can require the installation of over one million panels, each weighing between 80 and 100 pounds, the robotic solution offers a way to reduce physical strain on workers.
The remote locations of many solar sites present an additional challenge, as contractors often struggle to find sufficient skilled labor to meet growing demand. The partnership between ULC Technologies and Rosendin aims to address these issues by integrating robotic technology that not only enhances productivity but also helps ensure the safety of workers on-site.
Steve Green, VP of business development for location and inspection at SPX Technologies, the parent company of ULC Technologies, said: “Working with Rosendin’s use case, we designed and developed a solution that will revolutionise solar panel installation at large-scale sites.
“Extensive field testing proved how the robots relieve heavy lifting from workers, supplementing their expertise with a supportive tool that helps protect workers while allowing them to be more productive.”
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