Solar Alliance tests robotic lawnmower at Tennessee ground-mount project

Solar Alliance Energy announced it is working with Husqvarna, Leeper Hardware and Appalachian Outreach as part of a test to determine the capabilities of the Husqvarna Automower robotic mower at an operating solar system in Tennessee.

The test will provide valuable information regarding the performance of the Husqvarna Automower at an operating, ground-mount solar system. The potential market for robotic mowers to be deployed at ground-mount solar systems is growing given the need for weed and vegetation management. Mowing is a common method of weed and vegetation control and is often labor intensive, needing to be completed several times a month. Robotic mowers can provide several benefits for customers including reducing noise pollution, eliminating emissions and reducing labor costs. Due to their design, robotic mowers also eliminate the risk of debris such as rocks accidentally being thrown from the mower and damaging solar panels.

“Solar Alliance and Husqvarna are excited about the possibility of deploying robotic mowers at the site of ground-mount solar systems,” said Solar Alliance VP Harvey Abouelata. “The data gathered will provide invaluable information that will allow for the rapid deployment of robotic mowers to numerous solar installations. Weed and vegetation management is always a challenge with ground mount solar systems and the Automower can provide the solution while eliminating emissions.”

The test is being facilitated in part by Leeper Hardware, which is an authorized retailer of Powershed, Solar Alliance’s solar powered charging station for robotic lawnmowers. Leeper Hardware is also the official installer for Husqvarna robotic mower systems in East Tennessee.

“We see tremendous potential for this technology as the electrification of landscaping equipment intensifies,” said  Brian Williams, owner of Leeper Hardware. “We also believe that combining robotic mowers with Solar Alliance’s Powershed technology will open up new markets and further drive the electrification process. Today marks a first for this technology to be deployed in a solar field in Tennessee and we are excited about the opportunity to work both with Solar Alliance and Appalachian Outreach on future projects with Powershed and large autonomous mowing opportunities throughout East Tennessee.”

Solar Alliance continues the process of commercializing Powershed — a solar powered charging station for robotic lawnmowers that simplifies and improves the operation and use of robotic lawn mowers. Powershed is a new product that allows you to cut the cord and place a robotic mower anywhere the sun shines and the company continues to test Powershed with popular brands of mowers such as Husqvarna. Solar Alliance developed the design in cooperation with a researcher from the University of Tennessee and a provisional patent application has been filed with the U.S. Patent office, which provides intellectual property protection pending a full patent application. The first Powershed unit has been installed at the University of Tennessee and is currently operating.

News item from Solar Alliance

Original Source: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/08/solar-alliance-tests-robotic-lawnmower-at-tennessee-ground-mount-project/