WA-owned and operated electrical contracting company Innovative Energy Solutions (IES) has inaugurated its new Solar Energy Robotics workshop in Perth — a first of its kind in Australia.
The modern manufacturing facility produces automated solar panel cleaning machines and serves as a dedicated division within IES that specialises in developing advanced robotic technologies tailored for the solar industry.
These cutting-edge robotics systems are engineered to withstand the challenging conditions of Australia’s resource sector.
The autonomous solar cleaning robotics (ASCR) developed by Solar Energy Robotics ensure that solar panels on mining sites remain in optimal condition, ensuring a reliable power supply.
Using ASCRs for preventative maintenance on mine sites not only eliminates health, safety and environmental (HSE) risks as well as logistical challenges associated with manual labour, but also optimises the investment in solar panels — resulting in a 30 per cent reduction in maintenance costs.
Chair of IES Professor Peter Rossdeutscher said in the official opening: “Leveraging innovation and technology is essential for industries to increase clean energy output and move closer to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, in support of the goals of the Paris Agreement.
“These automated solar panel cleaning machines contribute to that by significantly increasing the energy generation at mine sites and other high use industrial locations, they use no water and are proven to extend the life of solar cells in the harshest of conditions in rural Australia,” said Prof. Rossdeutscher.
The robots are entirely designed and built in Australia, using 96 per cent Australian sourced components and are fully supported by the IES facility in the Pilbara.
Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy Hon Stephen Dawson MLC said projects like these will play a key role in contributing to WA’s sustainable future, creating new jobs and diversifying the economy.
“The Cook Government wants to see innovative companies across Western Australia grow and scale up on a global scale,” said Dawson.
Solar Energy Robotics stands at the forefront of robotics and automation with their dedication to develop cutting-edge solutions for the mining resources sector and beyond.
Solar Energy Robotics CEO Ben Brayford said: “Our mission extends beyond accelerating the energy transition in the resources sector alone; it involves pioneering solutions that transcend industries and regions. Working closely with industry and research we continue to advance pragmatic innovation to contribute to cleaner, higher output energy generation.
“We thank the state and federal governments for their support, as well as the large mining sites that have site proven this solution over the past two years in full-time use at their facilities. Also, our team of highly skilled engineers and professionals that continue to lead the industry in safety and quality.”
The company is currently pioneering new solutions to address global challenges and hopes to continue developing resource technologies for the global solar industry, driving innovation from Australia to the rest of the world.
The new facility is designed to ramp up capabilities to produce up to 50 ASCR units per week.
Minister Dawson officially launched the product by turning on a test robotic cleaner system in the facility during the opening event.
