Automatic installation machinery for photovoltaic panels

What is a solar installation robot?

The AES Corporation today announced the launch of Atlas, a new first-of-its-kind solar installation robot. Atlas represents a major advancement in solar energy technology, making it faster, more efficient and safer to construct new solar facilities.

How is automation used in the solar industry?

Automation in controlled and structured environments, such as factories, has been around for decades. In the solar industry, robotics and advanced manufacturing techniques have been used in the four steps of module manufacturing: silicon ingots, wafers, cells, and modules.

Are robotic solar installers the future?

With this challenge in mind, solar developers are increasingly exploring and implementing autonomous, robotic versions of solar installers, particularly at the utility scale. Two companies making recent moves are Terabase Energy and Sarcos Robotics Corp.

Why should we automate the panel installation process?

Safety is our number one priority, and by automating the panel installation process, we can limit personnel exposure and strenuous activities in high heat index conditions, while accelerating the pace of deployment and shortening the construction timeline. AES’ purpose is to accelerate the future of energy, together.

What is the new utility-scale installation process?

The new utility-scale installation process developed by the Brittmore Group, on the other hand, approaches inefficiency with a sledgehammer instead of a scalpel.

What is a Panelization assembly cell?

Inside what Samuels calls the panelization assembly cell, or PAC, a team of workers assemble the modules into panels. Prepanelization isn’t necessarily new, but shipping large, prepanelized modules from the factory out to the field increases shipping costs that can reduce the intended advantages. The panelization assembly cell in action.