Terafab From Terabase: ‘A Solar Factory to Build Many Solar Factories’

Californian based solar power plants’ solutions provider Terabase Energy has come up with a novel technology which is virtually a ‘factory that builds solar factories.’ It has launched Terafab which the world’s first automated & digital field factory for solar power plant construction. The Terabase technology transforms solar power plant construction with a modern factory approach, increasing installation productivity by a factor of 2X over traditional methods.

Terabase also announced the opening of its Woodland Terafab manufacturing facility in California a “factory to make factories.” The Woodland facility is currently manufacturing the first GW of Terafab assembly lines with a capacity to build more than 10 GW of Terafabs per year.

The comprehensive Terafab system combines a digital twin of the project site, advanced supply chain and inventory management systems, an onsite wireless digital command center, a field deployed automated assembly line, and specialized installation rovers into a seamless 24/7 operation.

The Terabase technology allows faster construction, high-throughput and 24/7 operation significantly reducing project schedules. Terafab eliminates the physical safety risk of construction workers needing to lift heavy solar panels and steel structures by utilizing automation on a climate-controlled assembly line.

Terafab increases labor productivity by 2X, addressing the solar industry’s unprecedented labor shortages. The installation efficiency and time savings lower overall project costs, enabling a lower levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Terabase said that the system supports the solar industry’s exponential growth, leveraging a modular design that can be replicated and deployed quickly.

Matt Campbell, CEO, Terabase Energy, said, “The Terafab system is a game-changer, offering a comprehensive solution that merges cutting-edge construction automation with a sophisticated digital system to transform the way solar power plants are constructed. We successfully field-tested Terafab last year, building 10 megawatts (MW) of a 400 MW site in Texas. Today’s launch is the next step forward to rapid commercial scale-up.”

Sheldon Kimber, CEO, Intersect Power, stated, “The Terafab system is also revolutionary for the health and safety of our partners in the field. This technology will allow for higher quality and consistency of finished products and improved handling of packaging and materials, resulting in a more sustainable solar industry for all stakeholders for years to come.”

Nick Strevel, VP Product at First Solar, said, “Not only does our partnership with Terabase bring advanced installation technology to our next-generation Series 7 solar module, but it also enables a closed-loop packaging recycling system consistent with our vision of responsible solar. The Terafab system is another example of how homegrown American innovation can help accelerate the deployment of solar, enabling our country’s decarbonization ambitions.”