Rosendin, a San Jose, California-based electrical contractor, is preparing to unveil a new autonomous robotic system designed to revolutionize solar panel installation. The company’s Renewable Energy Group will conduct a live demonstration of the three-part robotic system at a utility-scale solar project in West Texas on April 17, according to a company news release.

The robotic solution includes two robots that transport panels and a third that precisely places them. Equipped with autonomous navigation, obstacle detection using LiDAR, and GPS-guided precision, the system is engineered to maneuver across uneven terrain and position photovoltaic (PV) panels within 2 millimeters of accuracy, the release stated.

According to Rosendin, the demonstration will show how skilled electrical teams can work in tandem with the robotic system to install solar panels more efficiently and safely. The firm claims the technology can triple installation speeds and significantly reduce physical strain on workers — an important factor as labor shortages continue to challenge the construction industry.

Rosendin emphasized the heavy nature of commercial solar panels, which often measure 4 feet by 8 feet and weigh between 80 to 100 pounds. The robotic system is expected to ease that burden while improving installation productivity.

“We created a solution that will revolutionize the installation of renewable energy facilities worldwide by providing a safer, faster, repeatable, and more cost-effective means of deploying solar installations in remote locations,” said David Lincoln, Rosendin senior vice president, in the release.

In a recent trial at a solar project in Danevang, Texas, the robot-assisted crew installed 350 to 400 modules during an eight-hour shift — a rate three times faster than that of a typical three- to four-person manual crew, according to Rosendin.

Although Rosendin's system marks a major leap forward, it's not the first time robotics have been tested in solar construction. In March 2023, Mortenson conducted a field trial with Salt Lake City-based Palladyne AI (formerly Sarcos Technology and Robotics) on one of its solar projects.

As the demand for renewable energy continues to grow, Rosendin’s demonstration could signal a turning point in how large-scale solar installations are executed — blending advanced robotics with skilled labor to meet industry demands faster and more safely.

Originally reported by Matthew Thibault in Construction Dive.