Featured in Purchasing power – 04-2025

Why, Robot? Installers’ robot remedy

Robots on solar sites are not new; they have been deployed to automate everything from operations and maintenance to inspection and cleaning. In recent months, there has been an uptick in interest in robots for installation, particularly among utility-scale solar developers dealing with staff shortages, safety concerns, rising costs, and pressure to build.

By

Blathnaid O’Dea

01 Apr 2025

Installer robots in action. | Photo: RoboForce

With labor shortages affecting the utility-scale solar segment, some companies are presenting so-called robot “super workers” as a solution. California-based startup RoboForce aims to eventually deploy a troupe of robot workers on the moon but, for now, its ambitions are more grounded, focusing on solar developers who can’t find staff. Fellow United States-based startup, Charge …

This article is part of pv+

Subscribe digitally to unlock exclusive investigative reporting, expert insights, in-depth analysis, and premium background coverage. Your subscription also includes full access to the digital edition of our magazine.