ARRAY Technologies, a global leader in solar tracker technology, has announced a $3 million strategic investment in Swap Robotics, a pioneer in robotic solutions for utility-scale solar automation, maintenance, and operations. This move reinforces its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and future growth opportunities.
Swap Robotics Secures ARRAY Investment
Swap Robotics is nearing the close of a pre-Series A funding round aimed at bringing in strategic investors. This investment positions ARRAY as a leader in the fast-evolving field of solar automation within the utility-scale solar industry, with a particular focus on photovoltaic (PV) installation technology.
The agreement also includes a commitment from ARRAY for two additional $1 million investments, contingent on Swap achieving specific milestones.
“Swap Robotics is developing a disruptive technology that perfectly aligns with our mission to innovate and lead in the solar industry. As the utility-scale PV installation market stands at a crossroads, ripe for automation, we see an exciting opportunity to set new standards that drive project efficiency and customer value. Our investment empowers us to pursue growth in global markets and reinforces ARRAY’s role as a thought leader,” said Kevin G. Hostetler, chief executive officer at ARRAY.
Swap Robotics and ARRAY Integration Enhances Solar Project Efficiency
Integrating Swap Robotics’ advanced technology with ARRAY’s existing products creates new opportunities to improve project cycle efficiency and generate cost savings in field installations.
Swap Robotics’ automated module installation could deliver substantial savings, benefiting developers and EPC companies focused on reducing project costs. Swap Robotics’ innovations are also set to increase the value of other disruptive technologies.
“ARRAY is the perfect strategic partner as we continue to revolutionize solar construction with our automated solutions. Together, we will reshape how solar power is deployed, making installations faster, safer and more cost-effective while preparing for the next generation of utility-scale projects,” said Tim Lichti, chief executive officer at Swap Robotics.
Solar automation marks a significant step forward in ARRAY’s future product development. This investment will propel the evolution of ARRAY’s tracker technology, enabling designs optimized for solar automation and integration with robotic installation solutions.
ARRAY’s focus on automation aims to distinguish its solutions in the competitive solar market without directly competing with EPCs.
“After evaluating several startups in the utility-scale solar robotics space specializing in robotic panel laying, we chose to partner with Swap Robotics because of their years of experience on solar sites, their innovative and cost-effective approach, and their strong safety track record,” said Aaron Gabelnick, chief technology officer at ARRAY.
ARRAY Drives Decarbonization with Swap Robotics Investment
ARRAY’s investment in Swap Robotics is part of a broader strategy to create innovative products that address the evolving needs of its customers. By embracing solar automation, ARRAY reinforces its dedication to advancing global decarbonization and enhancing the accessibility and affordability of solar energy.
“Swap Robotics has quietly gained several years of field experience, operating dozens of heavy-duty robots in the world’s harshest conditions. In the last 18 months alone, these robots have logged over 8,000 miles of autonomous outdoor navigation,” said Tim Lichti, chief executive officer at Swap Robotics.
ARRAY Technologies is a leading global renewable energy company specializing in utility-scale solar tracking technology. Designed to endure the most extreme conditions worldwide, ARRAY’s advanced solar trackers and cutting-edge software optimize energy output, promoting the adoption of affordable and sustainable energy solutions.
Swap Robotics is a leading company in robotics for utility-scale solar construction, operations, and maintenance. With hardware and software developed entirely in-house, Swap has pioneered the first fully electric “rough cut” and offset-capable cutting decks, enabling its robots to manage vegetation across thousands of acres. The Swap robotics platform also addresses a primary labor cost during the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) phase: solar panel installation. Swap’s solutions have earned investment from major global solar industry leaders, including one of the top three largest solar EPC and O&M companies in the U.S., as well as some of the largest solar asset owners and vegetation management firms in the country.