Innovative, electric and autonomous vegetation management of utility scale energy park

Purpose and goal

The project was aimed at co-developing a competitive solution to vegetation management in a utility scale solar park, together with the asset owner. Testing and verification of the system´s operation in a real environment has led to a fully autonomous solution being on the way shortly and a charging infrastructure model in place. The cutting of the vegetation on a solar park must be adapted to local conditions. More development is required to be able to optimize the energy production from bifacial panels through changed vegetation management.

Expected results and effects

The project has developed a clear specification of requirements for maintenance of solar parks. The mowers that have been developed are able to maintain the vegetation but more work is needed to achieve full autonomous operation and mowing near obstacles and under panels. The basic infrastructure for recharging is in place but more work is needed to achieve autonomous recharging. We have developed knowledge on how to develop increased biodiversity through mowing but verification is needed. A fully autonomous operation that optimize production and additional values is within reach.

Planned approach and implementation

The project was developed in a full scale 30 ha solar park. The development was driven in relation to a joint maintenance plan that was co-developed by the owner of the installation, developer and researchers. The machine system was gradually developed towards autonomy as well as in relation to biodiversity value and reflective capacity. Data on vegetation development, growth, diversity and reflection was continuously collected during the course of the project. The output values were analysed in relation to maintenance plan.