Spain is at the forefront of renewable energy construction, and this time, it does so by implementing a revolutionary technology. In Peñaflor, Valladolid, the first automated solar park in Europe is being built, which represents a milestone in the way we conceive solar energy. This pilot project, called AutoPV, promises significantly reduce construction time and improve both efficiency and safety in the process.
The Portuguese energy company EDP leads this initiative, betting on automation in order to optimize its processes. With the collaboration of Comau, an Italian company specialized in robotics, Innovative technology has been developed that can automate the installation of solar panels on a large scale. This advance, in addition to reducing labor for the heaviest tasks, will allow assembly times to be shortened by up to 50%.
How does automation work at the Peñaflor solar park?
The AutoPV project incorporates a system of mobile factory called Hyperflex, which is transported to the site by truck. Once assembled on site, the factory has automatic assembly stations to pre-assemble the photovoltaic structures. Thanks to a robot called a rover, the structures are moved and placed at the exact point of the land.
This process consists of three main phases: unloading and assembly, building the structure and dismantling to move the factory to a new location. The result is a flexible and efficient production cycle, which allows large solar parks to be implemented in less time and with less physical effort on the part of the workers. The combination of this technology and robotics guarantees greater precision in the placement of solar panels, which could translate into greater durability of the installations.
A collaboration between humans and machines
One of the most notable features of the project is the way in which Technology and workers collaborate in synergy. Robots take care of the more arduous and repetitive tasks, such as handling solar panels, while employees focus on more specialized and technical tasks that require a higher level of qualification. This model of 'man-machine collaboration' not only helps improve security in the work environment, but also promises to increase overall project productivity.
Specifically, EDP seeks to ensure that its employees can take on more qualified roles and spend less time on physically strenuous tasks. This improves worker well-being, reduces the margin for error in operations and speeds up the construction process.
Impact of automation on solar energy
The use of this technology in the Peñaflor solar park is not only a technological advance, but could be the first step towards A global transformation in the construction of solar parksEDP has indicated that if the pilot project is successful, it intends to transfer this automation technology to other projects in different parts of the world.
The company also highlighted that, by reducing the assembly time of solar panels, the pace of construction of solar plants will be accelerated, which will significantly contribute to the company's sustainability goals. Currently, 98% of all energy produced by EDP already comes from renewable sources, but this first automated solar park could make a noticeable difference in future developments.
Comau and the Hyperflex mobile factory
The success of the AutoPV project would not be possible without the collaboration with Comau, the Italian company that has developed robotic technology and the Hyperflex mobile factory. This technology was originally designed for the automotive industry, but has been adapted to meet the needs of the solar energy sector. Hyperflex allows up to 30% more panels to be assembled per hour than traditional manual methods, also reducing overall installation costs by around 35% per panel.
One of the peculiarities of this mobile factory is its ability to adapt to different types of solar panelsIts flexibility is key to its use in different installations and on different types of terrain.
The path to faster, more efficient and sustainable energy
With this focus on automation, EDP reaffirms its commitment to renewable energy and to accelerating the energy transition. The project in Peñaflor is only the first step in a long-term plan which seeks to integrate this technology into future solar plants both in Europe and elsewhere in the world. António Coutinho, CEO of EDP Innovation, said that the ultimate goal is for this technology to become a key component of all the company's operations around the globe.
In addition to the direct benefits in terms of efficiency and safety, This automation model will help EDP meet its sustainability goalsThe company aims to phase out coal-fired power by 2025, be 100% green by 2030 and achieve net-neutral emissions by 2040.
The development of automated solar parks in Spain will not only mark a turning point in the way these infrastructures are built, but in the long term, it could be a source of inspiration for other countries seeking to improve their energy capacity in a sustainable and efficient manner.