Rosendin, a San Jose, California-based electrical contractor, has announced a groundbreaking advancement in solar construction technology. The company will showcase a new autonomous robotic solution designed for photovoltaic (PV) installation at a live exhibition on April 17, 2025. The demonstration will take place at a large-scale solar energy project under construction in West Texas, hosted by Rosendin’s Renewable Energy Group.
The robotic system consists of three key components: two panel-carrying robots and one panel-setting bot. These robots are equipped with advanced features, including autonomous operations, obstacle detection, and avoidance using LiDAR technology. The system also boasts the ability to navigate uneven terrain, and can position PV panels with a precision of 2mm using GPS and KMZ mapping, as highlighted in the release.
Collaborative Demonstration
A real-time demonstration will illustrate how skilled electrical teams work alongside the robotic system to install PV panels more quickly, safely, and efficiently. According to Rosendin, the robots are expected to triple installation speeds, addressing key challenges in the industry, such as the labor shortage and the size and weight of commercial solar panels, which typically measure 4 feet by 8 feet and weigh between 80-100 pounds.
Technological Advancements and Efficiency
David Lincoln, Senior Vice President of Rosendin, emphasized that the solution would revolutionize solar installation, particularly in remote locations. The robots are designed to offer a safer, faster, repeatable, and more cost-effective means of deploying solar energy systems.
On a solar project in Danevang, Texas, the robots successfully achieved an installation rate of 350-400 modules per eight-hour shift with a two-person crew working collaboratively with the robots. This rate is three times higher than that of a traditional three- to four-person crew performing manual installations.
Industry Impact
This demonstration builds on previous robotic efforts in solar construction, such as Mortenson’s field trial in March 2023 in collaboration with Palladyne AI. Rosendin’s innovation marks a significant step forward in integrating robotics with renewable energy installation, enhancing both productivity and worker safety. As the technology progresses, it promises to shape the future of solar energy construction, offering scalable solutions for the growing renewable energy sector.
