Solar

Terabase deploying ‘automated field factory’ for solar farm construction

Terabase deploying ‘automated field factory’ for solar farm construction
Terabase's "Terafab" automated field factory combines a digital twin of the project site, advanced supply chain and inventory management systems, an onsite wireless digital command center, a field deployed automated assembly line, and specialized installation rovers to allow for automated, 24/7 construction. (Courtesy: Terabase)

A Terabase automation tent at a utility-scale solar project. (Courtesy: Terabase)

Terabase Energy has unveiled how the company plans to use software and automation to revolutionize utility-scale solar project construction.

The California-based startup's "Terafab" automated field factory combines a digital twin of the project site, advanced supply chain and inventory management systems, an onsite wireless digital command center, a field-deployed automated assembly line, and specialized installation rovers to allow for automated, 24/7 construction.

In addition to launching the new product, Terabase announced that it has opened a 10 GW Terafab manufacturing facility in Woodland, California. The facility is currently in operation, and Terabase said Terafabs will be deployed to several projects later this year.

Matt Campbell, CEO and co-founder of Terabase Energy, said the Terafab technology was successfully field-tested last year, and was responsible for building 10 MW of a 400 MW solar project in Texas.

"Today’s launch is the next step forward to rapid commercial scale-up," Campbell said.

GO DEEPER: In Episode 14 of the Factor This! podcast, Terabase co-founder and CEO Matt Campbell shared how companies like his are using software and automation to rethink how solar farms are built and managed. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Terabase claims that Terafab can double installation productivity compared to traditional methods and lower overall project costs.

Founded in 2019, Terabase has raised more than $50 million, most recently from Bill Gates's Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Prelude Ventures.

Campbell said on the Factor This! podcast that his dream is to create a "one-click" solution for solar project development.

"It's a lot of fun," Campbell said of running and scaling the company. "We've got a really, really smart team and they're performing at a really high level. It's a very creative and productive time."

Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation received $1.9 million from the U.S. Dept. of Energy to develop the robotics system, which delivers, detects, lifts and places photovoltaic modules in the field. (Courtesy: Sarcos)

Terabase isn't the only company eyeing automated solar project construction.

Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corp. said in March that it had achieved final validation for its autonomous solar construction technology after field testing.

The company received $1.9 million from the Department of Energy to develop the robotics system, which delivers, detects, lifts and places photovoltaic modules in the field.

Jorgen Pedersen, Sarcos' chief operating officer, told Renewable Energy World that productivity gained by incorporating the technology into solar power plant construction will vary depending on the specific EPC and project location. He said cost savings will also vary, but "are expected to be significant."

Sarcos said it intends to conduct further field testing this year to validate its preliminary cost-saving analysis.

They expects to commercially launch its robotic solar field construction solution in 2024.