ARRAY Technologies, a global leader in solar tracker technology announce a strategic investment of $3 million in Swap Robotics, a trailblazer in robotic solutions for utility-scale solar automation, maintenance and operations. This investment reflects ARRAY’s dedication to innovation, sustainability and its vision to secure 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, including ARRAY. Through this investment, ARRAY is positioning itself as a leader in the fast-evolving solar automation field within the utility-scale solar industry with a particular focus on photovoltaic (PV) installation technology.
As part of the investment agreement, ARRAY has committed to providing two additional $1 million investments if Swap achieves specific milestones.
“Swap Robotics is developing a disruptive technology that perfectly fits 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 unlocks new opportunities for improved project cycle efficiency and cost savings in field installations. Swap Robotics’ automated module installation could deliver substantial savings, greatly benefiting developers and EPC companies focused on reducing project costs. Additionally, Swap Robotics’ innovations are 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 advancement for 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.
“Having evaluated several startups in the utility-scale solar robotics space for robotic panel laying, we chose to partner with Swap Robotics due to their years of experience on solar sites, their innovative and cost-effective approach, and their 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 its larger strategy to create innovative products that address the changing needs of its customers. By adopting 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 experience in the field with dozens of heavy-duty robots that have been operating in the world’s harshest conditions. The company’s heavy-duty robots have over 8,000 miles of autonomous outdoor navigation in the last 18 months alone.” said Tim Lichti, chief executive officer at Swap Robotics.
ARRAY Technologies is a prominent global company in renewable energy, 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 both hardware and software entirely developed in-house, Swap has pioneered the first fully electric “rough cut” and offset-capable cutting decks, enabling their robots to manage vegetation across thousands of acres. The Swap robotics platform also addresses a primary labour 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.