The Future of Solar Construction: Automation, AI, and Reaching Terawatt Scale | EP278
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Today on the Clean Power Hour recorded at InterSolar in San Diego, host Tim Montague welcomes back Matt Campbell, CEO and founder of Terabase Energy, to discuss the future of automated solar construction. Matt shares Terabase's journey over the past four years developing Terafab, their innovative "in-the-field factory" that semi-automates solar power plant construction.
Matt explains how Terabase is tackling the unique challenges of outdoor autonomy and robotics to achieve 24/7 solar construction capabilities. Unlike traditional automation that happens in controlled indoor environments, Terafab brings robots outdoors to build solar installations faster, with higher quality, and at lower costs. The conversation explores the technical hurdles of implementing robotics in variable field conditions and Terabase's vision for scaling to help the industry reach terawatt-level solar deployment.
The discussion also covers Terabase's broader digital ecosystem, including their construct platform (a digital construction management system currently used on 14 gigawatts of projects), plant predict, and SCADA solutions. Matt shares insights on how these digital tools are creating comprehensive digital twins of solar projects and helping improve quality, safety, and productivity across the industry.
KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED:
Terafab's development journey and upcoming 100-megawatt deployment in 2025
The challenges and solutions for outdoor robotic automation in solar construction
Different approaches to automating solar construction (off-site prefab, on-site prefab, in-field robots)
Addressing labor shortages through automation while improving safety and reliability
Terabase's digital construction management system and its impact on 14 gigawatts of projects
The path to achieving "penny-a-kWh" solar electricity
If you're interested in the future of renewable energy construction, automation in solar, or how technology is helping to speed the energy transition, this episode offers valuable insights from one of the industry's most innovative companies.
Social Media Handles
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-campbell-235349/
https://www.terabase.energy/
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