ROBOTICS IN RENEWABLES (RiR)

The transition to renewable energy is well and truly underway, and that means there’s opportunities for exciting new jobs in the industry - and not just in the construction phase.

Robotics in Renewables is a micro-learning program, designed for job seekers exploring robotics in the industry, the technology and the opportunities. Development was based on first hand experience, with a focus on the New England Renewable Energy Zone (NEREZ).

BACKGROUND

JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE ENERGY TRANSITION? YUP.

The renewables sector in Australia is one of the fastest-growing parts of the national economy, driven by natural resources, falling technology cost, and strong community and investor interest in clean energy.

Solar and wind dominate new generation capacity, with large-scale projects concentrated in Renewable Energy Zones, while rooftop solar uptake per capita is among the highest in the world.

Energy storage, particularly grid-scale batteries, is expanding rapidly to support reliability as coal-fired plants retire. Emerging technologies such as green hydrogen are being trialled to decarbonise heavy industry and transport.

The sector is also creating significant regional employment opportunities, with construction, operations, and supply chain roles supporting local economies. Despite challenges such as transmission lines, regulatory hurdles, and community engagement, Australia’s renewables industry is positioned as a global leader in the transition to low-carbon energy.

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NEW ENGLAND REZ

RENEWABLE ENERGY ZONE = OPPORTUNITIES

The Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) in New South Wales are designated areas that combine solar and wind resources with new transmission infrastructure to deliver large volumes of clean energy to the grid. They operate like modern power stations, clustering multiple renewable projects in strategic locations to lower costs and improve efficiency.

NSW has identified five REZs:

  • Central-West Orana;

  • South-West;

  • Hunter-Central Coast;

  • Illawarra; and

  • New England.

The New England Renewable Energy Zone (REREZ)

The New England Renewable Energy Zone (NEREZ), located around Armidale and Tamworth, is one of the largest in Australia, with a planned capacity of up to 8 gigawatts of wind and solar generation. It is a large geographic footprint and will require significant investment on both generation capacity and new transmission links.

For job seekers, the potential is significant: construction alone will require thousands of workers across trades, engineering, project management, and logistics. Not only that, there will be demand for roles which support the workforce (including the trades), housing and related industries.

Ongoing operations will create long-term roles in maintenance, grid management, and community engagement, making the REZ a major driver of regional employment growth.

Map of the New England Renewable Energy Zone. Source: Energy.co

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TAKEAWAYS

  • With up to 8 GW of planned renewable generation, the New England REZ is among the largest in Australia, ensuring a steady pipeline of projects and long-term employment demand.

  • Opportunities extend beyond construction, including engineering, electrical trades, environmental management, logistics, operations, maintenance, and community engagement, catering to a wide range of skill sets and experience levels.

  • The REZ will attract billions in private investment, creating sustained regional jobs and supporting local industries such as transport, hospitality, and training, boosting the broader New England economy.

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TRANSITION TECHNOLOGY

RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY GENERATORS - WHAT?

The New England Renewable Energy Zone (NEREZ) Incorporates a mix of renewable energy technologies to ensure reliable, dispatchable power.

  • Solar energy will form a cornerstone of the REZ, with large-scale farms harnessing the region’s high solar irradiance. These projects provide cost-effective daytime generation, contributing significant capacity to the grid.

  • Wind energy will complement solar, taking advantage of the region’s strong and consistent wind resources. Wind farms provide generation during both day and night, smoothing supply variability when solar output declines.

  • To enhance grid stability and ensure energy is available during periods of low sun and wind, the NEREZ will integrate pumped hydro energy storage. These systems store energy by moving water between reservoirs at different elevations, releasing it through turbines when demand peaks. Pumped hydro acts as a large-scale battery, helping balance supply and demand and supporting grid frequency.

  • Battery energy storage systems (BESS) will also be deployed, providing rapid-response power to smooth short-term fluctuations, support voltage regulation, and enhance the integration of variable renewables. Batteries are critical for maintaining reliability during transient events and for managing peak load periods.

The combination of these technologies enables the New England REZ to deliver a reliable, flexible, and low-carbon energy supply.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • The combination of solar, wind, pumped hydro, and battery storage creates a wide range of roles, from electrical and mechanical engineering to construction, operations, environmental management, and grid integration. Job seekers with different skill sets can find opportunities in multiple areas of the project.

  • While construction roles will dominate initially, ongoing operations, maintenance, and system management of solar farms, wind turbines, hydro plants, and battery systems will create sustained, long-term regional employment.

  • The integration of advanced technologies, such as battery management, grid stability systems, and renewable energy control software, highlights the growing need for workers with technical, analytical, and digital skills, offering prospects for career growth in a rapidly evolving energy sector.

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ROBOTICS 101

ROBOTICS + RENEWABLES

Robotics and automation are expected to transform the renewable energy sector, enhancing efficiency, safety, and scalability across solar, wind, and energy storage industries. And the technology is already being deployed (to an extent):

  • In solar farms, autonomous cleaning robots are being used to maintain panel efficiency, particularly in dusty or remote environments. Vegetation management is being undertaken by remote control mowing solutions and emerging technology included back-to-base fully autonomous systems

  • Automated inspection drones are now common for monitoring both solar,wind infrastructure and transmission infrastructure, providing real-time data and predictive maintenance insights that reduce downtime and operational costs.

  • In wind, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and advanced robotics assist with turbine installation and maintenance and off short wind farms are expected to drive ROV development to handle the harsh marine conditions. Specialised climbing robots and blade inspection systems are increasingly employed to inspect tall turbines safely, replacing manual inspections in hazardous conditions.

  • Emerging pumped hydro and grid-scale storage facilities are using robotic sensors and monitoring systems to automate water flow, gate operations, and equipment diagnostics.

  • Battery storage systems are also benefiting from automation, with robotics supporting the precision assembly of cells and automated systems optimising performance and safety.

  • The construction of renewable assets will increasingly see the deployment of remote and autonomous pile driving and installation robotics.

For job seekers, this convergence of robotics and renewable energy presents wide-ranging opportunities.

Beyond traditional engineering roles, careers are emerging in areas such as drone operations, AI-driven data analytics, and robotic maintenance services. The demand for professionals who can integrate automation technologies into renewable projects is expected to grow as the sector scales up globally. As robotics are deployed, qualified and experience support staff will be required to keep the machines operating effectively.

Future workers who combine technical expertise with adaptability will be well-positioned to contribute to a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient energy system.

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TAKEAWAYS

  • The renewable energy sector is growing at a rapid rate

  • Technology like drones, robotics and automation will play a growing role

  • Roles are not just technical and will extend beyond just the construction phase.

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ROBOTICS HERE AND NOW

ROBOTICS CURRENTLY IN USE IN THE NEW ENGLAND

Robotics and automation are increasingly integrated into renewable energy projects, improving efficiency, safety, and operational reliability.

  • In solar farms, remote cleaning robots are deployed to remove dust and debris from photovoltaic panels, particularly in arid or remote areas where water use is restricted and manual labour is costly. These robots help maintain optimal panel efficiency with minimal human intervention.

  • Inspection drones are widely used across solar, wind and transmission projects to conduct aerial surveys, identify faults, and monitor performance. Equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging, drones can quickly detect panel damage, hotspots, or turbine blade defects, reducing downtime and improving maintenance scheduling.

  • Meralli Solar has deployed remote controlled robotic solutions to help manage vegetation on solar farms and in the preparation of land to be used for solar farm developments.

  • You may have already seen companies like Essential Energy using drone across the transmission system to inspect powerlines to detect faults, identify maintenance needs and better map the network.

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TAKEAWAYS

  • Robotics creates jobs in drone operation, robotic maintenance, inspection, data analysis, and automation system management, expanding opportunities beyond traditional engineering roles.

  • Automation reduces human exposure to hazardous environments, such as tall wind turbines or remote solar farms, emphasizing skills in remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and system optimization.

  • As renewable projects scale, there is increasing demand for workers who can integrate, program, and maintain robotic and automated systems, making robotics knowledge a highly valuable and future-proof skill in the clean energy sector.

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ROBOTS + VISUAL INSPECTION

ROBOTS + VISUAL INSPECTION

Visual inspection of solar plants using drones has become a critical tool for maintaining the efficiency and reliability of photovoltaic (PV) systems. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging sensors allow operators to rapidly survey large solar farms without the need for manual inspections which are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and potentially hazardous.

Thermal imaging, in particular, plays a crucial role. By detecting differences in heat across solar panels, thermal cameras can identify hotspots, defective cells, or electrical faults that are not visible to the naked eye. Hotspots may indicate damaged cells, loose connections, shading issues, or dirt accumulation, all of which can reduce energy output or, in extreme cases, cause safety hazards such as fires.

During an inspection, drones fly programmed paths over solar arrays, capturing both visual and thermal data. Advanced software then processes this information to generate thermal maps and diagnostic reports, pinpointing underperforming panels or strings. This allows maintenance teams to target repairs efficiently, reducing downtime and maximizing energy generation.

For large-scale solar projects, drone-based thermal inspection offers significant cost and time savings while enhancing safety and operational performance. As solar farms continue to expand globally, thermal imaging drones are becoming an essential part of predictive maintenance strategies, helping operators optimise plant efficiency and extend asset lifespan.

CASE STUDY
FAULT FINDING.

Plan A Electrical, founded by Sam Tapscott (pictured), specialises in the installation of electrical hardware on utility scale solar plpans and has pioneered the deployment of BESS on the medium voltage network in NSW. The company is based in Moree (NSW) and operates throughout the east coast.

In 2022, while working on a utility scale project, a component of the DC field was identied as faulty due to potential water incursion. It would have been uneconomical for the small team to check each unit by hand, so a consumer level drone with IR capability was deployed at flown over the array to pin point locations of the faulty equipment. This was early pioneering work using IR capability at this scale where a commercial solution was unable to be deployed in the timeframe required and the technology not yet fully developed.

“The drone really helped us quickly pinpoint where the faults had occurred. But the technology was not quite up to speed so it was quite a manual process,’ Sam said.

“The technology today is much better, much quicker to deploy and to analyse, saving plenty of time and plenty of headaches”.

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TAKEAWAYS

  • Drones enable rapid, large-scale surveys of solar farms without the need for manual inspections, reducing labor costs and minimizing safety risks associated with climbing or walking across panels.

  • Thermal imaging identifies hotspots, defective cells, or electrical faults that are invisible to the naked eye, allowing operators to detect issues before they lead to significant energy loss or safety hazards.

  • Combining thermal imaging with software analytics creates detailed thermal maps and diagnostic reports, enabling targeted maintenance, reducing downtime, and maximiSing the overall energy output and lifespan of the solar plant.

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ROBOTICS + VEGETATION MANAGMENT

ROBOTS + VEGETATION CONTROL

Vegetation management is a critical component of solar farm operations because plant growth can directly impact energy production, safety, and maintenance efficiency. Overgrown vegetation can shade solar panels, reducing their exposure to sunlight and lowering energy output. It can also interfere with inverters, cabling, and other electrical infrastructure, creating potential safety hazards such as fire risks or equipment damage.

Clear pathways allow maintenance personnel and vehicles to move efficiently for inspections, repairs, or cleaning operations.

Solar farms typically face seasonal and regional challenges: arid zones may require dust and sparse plant control, whereas temperate regions may contend with rapid grass and shrub growth. In addition, regulatory and environmental obligations often require maintaining native flora, controlling invasive species, and minimizing soil erosion, adding complexity to management practices.

To address these needs, solar farms use a combination of manual trimming, mowing, herbicides, grazing animals, and increasingly, robotic or autonomous mowing systems. Effective vegetation management ensures optimal energy yield, reduces maintenance costs, enhances safety, and contributes to long-term operational reliability.

Currently on the market are two types of robotics solutions, remote controlled and autonomous:

  • Remote-Controlled Systems: These systems are operated by human controllers from a distance, allowing for precise navigation and operation in challenging terrains. They are particularly useful in areas where full autonomy is not feasible due to environmental complexities.

  • Autonomous Systems: Autonomous robots operate independently, utilizing AI, GPS, and sensors to navigate and perform vegetation management tasks without human intervention. Renu Robotics' Renubot, for example, is an electric, fully autonomous robot that mows grass at utility-scale solar farms, integrating AI and wireless communications for efficient operation.

Meralli Solar performing maintenance on a Raymo remote robotic mower.

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TAKEAWAYS

  • Proper vegetation control prevents shading of solar panels, maximizing energy output and overall system performance.

  • Maintaining clear, controlled vegetation reduces fire risks, prevents equipment damage, and ensures safe, efficient access for maintenance personnel and machinery.

  • Solar farms increasingly use a mix of strategies (manual trimming, grazing, herbicides, and robotic/autonomous systems), to balance operational efficiency, environmental compliance, and long-term site sustainability.

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ROBOTICS + CLEANING

ROBOTS + SOLAR CLEANING

Robots are increasingly used in solar panel cleaning to maintain optimal energy output and reduce maintenance costs. These systems range from autonomous robotic cleaners that traverse panels on their own, to semi-automated systems controlled remotely. They use brushes, water jets, or microfiber pads to remove dust, dirt, and bird droppings, particularly in large-scale or remote solar farms where manual cleaning is inefficient or unsafe. Some robots are equipped with sensors and AI to optimize cleaning routes and frequency based on soiling levels. By ensuring panels remain free of debris, these robotic systems improve efficiency, extend panel lifespan, and reduce labor and water usage.

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SolarCleano F1 robot cleaning PV panels at a Meralli Solar site in 2023.

INTERVIEW:
SOLARCLEANO + SPARTAN CLEANING

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TAKEAWAYS

  • Regularly cleaning your solar panels is essential for maximising energy production and profitability. Dust, dirt, pollen, and bird droppings can create "hot spots" and significantly reduce a panel's efficiency, leading to a direct loss in energy output.

  • Increased efficiency means increased revenue. A dirty solar panel can lose anywhere from 10% to 30% or more of its efficiency. For a large-scale solar farm, this translates into a substantial and measurable loss of electricity generated and sold.

  • Allowing dirt and debris to accumulate can lead to "soiling" and permanent damage. Bird droppings and mineral deposits from rain can etch the glass surface, while long-term shading from dirt can create irreversible cell damage, known as a "hot spot" or "snail trail."

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FUTURE TECH

WHERE NEXT WITH ROBOTICS?

The robotics outlined in previous sections are all technologies where are here and now and already deployed across the sector, but, there’s plenty more in the pipeline. Here’s a summary of what’s coming next:

  • Automated Pile Driving & Foundation Robots: Robotics are being developed to install steel piles and foundations with high precision, reducing manual labour and speeding up large-scale deployments.

  • Robotic Module Handling & Installation: Robots and cobots (collaborative robots) are used to lift, align, and mount solar panels onto racking systems.

  • Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs): Self-driving vehicles transport panels, racking, and tools across solar sites.

  • Drones for Surveying and Progress Monitoring: Equipped with LiDAR or photogrammetry, drones map terrain and track installation progress in real time.

  • Robotic Welding & Structural Assembly: Mobile robotic arms are being trialled for automated welding of racking structures and joints.

  • Inspection & Quality Control Robotics: Robots and drones conduct precision inspections on installed panels, frames, and connections during construction.

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TAKEAWAYS

  • Robotics are enabling faster, safer, and more precise installation of solar farms, helping projects meet the growing demand for renewable energy at large scale.

  • While robots reduce heavy manual labour, they also create new roles in robotics operation, maintenance, and data analysis, opening opportunities for skilled workers.

  • From drones mapping terrain to autonomous vehicles moving equipment, robotics is reshaping construction workflows and reducing reliance on traditional manual processes.

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KEY PLAYERS

WHO ARE THE KEY PLAYERS?

Leading companies driving employment in the renewable energy industry include:

  • Neoen Developer, owner and operator of large scale solar, wind, and energy storage. They manage assets in operation or under construction. (Neoen Australia)

  • Atmos Renewables Owns and operates ~1.9 GW of renewable energy assets, including solar, wind, and battery storage. Also involved in development projects. (Atmos Renewables)

  • Foresight Australia / ARIF (Australian Renewable Infrastructure Fund) Specialises in asset management, portfolio optimisation, acquisitions and operations of renewable energy projects across Australia. (Foresight)

  • RES (Renewable Energy Systems) Offers asset management services, site management, compliance, operations for renewable energy sites. (RES)

  • OMNISOLAR Focused on O&M of large scale solar parks—maintenance, operations, training for workforce, keeping assets running efficiently. (Omni Solar)

  • O&M Solar Operates and maintains large-scale solar farms across Australia. (Om Solar)

  • Wind Prospect Developer of renewable energy projects (solar / wind) — designing, securing approvals, taking projects through to construction. (Wind Prospect)

  • Essjay Contracting Civil / infrastructure construction contractor for renewables — site preparation, heavy works, transmission, roads etc. (Essjay Contracting)

  • All Energy Contracting (AEC) A construction contractor specialising in renewable energy and energy infrastructure projects. (All Energy Contracting)

  • CPB Construction / CPB Contractors Part of major infrastructure players; engaged in “New Energy / Renewables Infrastructure” including wind farms, transmission, power infrastructure. (cpbcon.com.au)

Companies involved in robotics technologies:

  • Luminous Robotics: The LUMI robot: AI-powered “pick and place” for installing solar modules in large-scale solar farms. (PV Magazine Australia)

  • Solar Energy Robotics (SER): Autonomous solar panel cleaning robots (especially for harsh / remote / mine-site conditions), sensors + analytics. (SER)

  • PV Autobot / Robo-Tek: Robotic solar panel cleaner for large PV arrays — automates or semi-automates cleaning tasks. (robo-tek.com.au)

  • Brighter Solar Cleaning: Robotic/motorised cleaning solutions for commercial, industrial, utility-scale solar, carports, solar farms. (Brighter Solar Cleaning)

  • Eco Roar: Solar panel cleaning robot; dual-mode dry/wet cleaning, remote control capability. (ecoroar.com.au)

  • Roboriser Robotics: Robots for solar panel & facade / building cleaning; multiple robot models for farms and large installations. (RoboRiser Robotics)

  • Ecoppia: Global leader in autonomous, AI/data-driven robotic panel cleaning solutions for utility-scale solar. (ecoppia.com)

  • Sol-Bright Technology: Automatic robotic cleaning systems (ARCS), with their “Gen.6” robot used in utility-scale solar projects. (Energy Matters)

  • Leapting: Module-mounting robots, automating panel installation in utility‐scale PV farms, reducing labour, speeding build. (PV Magazine Australia)

  • IFBOT/LEWEI: Solar panel cleaning robots; IFBOT’s partner-distribution in Australia, bringing automated cleaning tech. (IFBOT)

General Labour Hire/Recruitment Companies working in Renewables:

  • Fast Labour Hire Supplies labour for solar farms, battery storage, wind, etc. Offers electrician, mechanical fitter, installation, site works. (Fast Labour Hire |)

  • TradeConnex Specialises in solar farm jobs and renewable energy labour hire. (Tradeconnex)

  • Haynes Group Provides skilled and unskilled labourers, trade staff, site work, electrical and mechanical tasks for solar & wind farms across regions. (Haynes)

  • PR Projects Specialised and general staffing for renewable energy businesses; gets staff into energy projects in Australia / NZ. (PR Projects)

  • GD Recruitment Labour hire service in Sydney for renewables: from site setup to installation and maintenance. (GD Recruitment)

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TRAINING

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

The landscape for drone and robotics and renewables industry training in Australia is diverse, offering multiple pathways from industry driven approaches to vocational education to university degrees, catering to various career aspirations and entry points. Here are some examples:

CASA Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) and Operational Certificates (ReOC)

For anyone looking to operate drones commercially in Australia, obtaining a CASA Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) is a critical credential. This license is not merely a legal requirement but also signifies professionalism and competence within the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) industry.

Training providers like Aviation Australia and SUAS ROV offer comprehensive RePL courses, typically involving 20 hours of online theory and 2-4 days of face-to-face practical training.

The standard RePL allows operation of drones up to 7kg, while additional certifications are required for larger drones (up to 25kg) and specific type ratings for those over 25kg, enabling more substantial payloads and specialized industrial tasks.

For businesses operating drones commercially, a Remote Operator's Certificate (ReOC) is required, allowing them to run a drone business and employ other RePL holders. Aviation Australia, for instance, has trained over a thousand remote pilots and assisted hundreds of businesses in gaining operational approvals.

https://www.casa.gov.au/drones

Thermal Imaging Certification

As drones increasingly leverage thermal cameras for inspections, specialiSed thermal imaging certification becomes highly valuable, particularly for roles in asset inspection. Organizations like the FLIR Infrared Training Center (ITC) and Advanced Infrared Resources Australia (AIRA) offer internationally recognised thermographer certification programs, including Category I and Category II courses. These courses cover the fundamentals of infrared thermography, equipment operation, accurate temperature measurement, and practical applications for solar panel, electrical, and mechanical inspections. Certification ensures competence in performing infrared thermography measurements according to established international standards (e.g., ISO 18436-7) and is often recogniSed by bodies like the Australian Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (AINDT).

https://irtau.com.au/

Industry Groups

The Clean Energy Council offers an array of courses across the industry. https://cleanenergycouncil.org.au/education-at-cec

Vocational Education (TAFE) and Specialized Courses

TAFE institutes across Australia offer a range of courses highly relevant to drone and robotics careers in renewables.

  • TAFE Queensland provides a Certificate II in Autonomous Technologies (10935NAT), an entry-level qualification building foundational skills in electronic design, programming (including Python), and industrial design for autonomous environments. https://training.gov.au/training/details/10935NAT/summary

  • TAFE NSW offers specialized Statements of Attainment, such as "Grid-connected Battery Storage Systems Designer-Installer Skill Set" and "Wind Energy Conversion Systems," which are crucial for electricians looking to transition into the renewable sector. They also offer courses in "Automation and Robotics in Construction". https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/UEESS00191/skillsetdetails

  • Aviation Australia, in partnership with TAFE, offers the Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) AVI30419, providing essential training to legally operate remotely piloted aircraft without many of the weight or operating restrictions applied to recreational users. https://training.gov.au/training/details/AVI30419/qualdetails

  • For wind energy, RIGCOM delivers Global Wind Organisation (GWO) accredited blade repair training, equipping technicians with skills to inspect and repair damage to wind turbine blades. https://rigcom.com.au/wind-energy-training/

University Degrees

For those seeking advanced roles in design, research, and development, university degrees provide a strong foundation.

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CREDITS

RiR was developed by Seek+Deploy with support from Meralli Solar and financial support from New England & Northwest Jobs Coordinator for Workforce Australia.

The project evolved out of a pilot program to explore the first hand experiences of local companies, using robotic technologies, in the construction and operation maintenance of utility scale solar farms.

We aimed to showcase an exciting, non traditional, employment opportunity for local job seekers within the renewables sector based on our experience with robotic solutions in O&M operations conducted by Meralli Solar.

We would like to thank:

CONTACTS

The team acknowledge the Anaiwan people, the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet and the New England REZ will be built. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging, and recognise their continuing connection to Country, culture, and community. We honour the knowledge, wisdom, and traditions of the Anaiwan people, and commit to learning from and working alongside them in a spirit of respect and reconciliation.

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