Solar parks are becoming increasingly popular as a source of sustainable energy. Solar energy is collected in solar parks and converted into electricity. To ensure that the solar panels perform optimally, it is important that they remain clean and free of obstructions. This is where one autonomous mowing machine for solar parks comes in handy. Many solar farms currently use mowers to cut the grass and manage vegetation, but these machines can be inefficient and time consuming. A solution to this problem is the use of autonomous mowing machines for solar parks. In this article we discuss the added value of this machine for solar parks.
What is an autonomous mower?
An autonomous mower is a machine that can operate autonomously and is designed to mow grass and weeds in hard-to-reach areas. Self-propelled mowers are automated machines that cut grass and vegetation without human intervention. These machines are often used in public parks and sports fields, but are also suitable for solar parks. The machines are equipped with sensors and software that make it possible to scan the terrain and automatically adjust the mowing movements. The machine is equipped with various tools, including a mowing unit, but it can also contain a brush unit, a weed brush unit, a hoe or rake unit. This allows the machine not only to mow grass and weeds, but also to remove the weeds.
De Vector autonomous mower is powered by electric motors and can operate autonomously thanks to advanced software and sensors. The Vector mower is equipped with LiDAR sensors that create a 3D image of the environment and help the machine detect and avoid obstacles. In addition, the machine is equipped with GPS.
Advantages of autonomous mowers for solar parks
There are several advantages associated with the use of autonomous tool carriers in solar parks:
Efficiency autonomous mower
The Vector self-propelled implement carriers are able to work much more efficiently than traditional mowing machines. Being autonomous, they can operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing them to manage the site much faster and more effectively. This means less time and money spent on manually mowing grass and vegetation.
Accuracy Vector WD2.0
Our self-propelled Vector mower with tool carrier is equipped with sensors and software that allow it to accurately scan the terrain and adapt the mowing movements to the environment. This means that the machines are able to mow more accurately than traditional mowers, reducing the risk of damage to the solar panels and other equipment on site.
Safety
Self-propelled mowers reduce the risk of accidents on site. Because no human intervention is required, no employees need to be on site.
An important aspect of the safety of our autonomous tool carrier is the use of safety sensors. These sensors are essential to prevent the machine from colliding with objects such as trees, fences or vehicles. The Vector autonomous mowers are equipped with different types of sensors, such as lidar sensors, that scan the terrain and enable the machine to detect and avoid obstacles.
Another important aspect of the safety of self-propelled tool carriers are the emergency stop buttons. These buttons are used to stop the machine immediately in case of an emergency. For example, if a person approaches the machine and a collision is imminent, the emergency stop button can be pressed to stop the machine immediately.
The emergency stop buttons on the Vector are easily accessible and are regularly tested to ensure they are working properly. The added security is that if this emergency stop doesn't work, the Vector won't do its job at all.
Another important safety measure of our autonomous mower is the setting of safety zones. These zones are used to indicate areas of the site where the machine should not enter. For example, if there is an area with dangerous machinery or electrical equipment, it can be designated as a safety zone.
Safety zones can be set up using geofencing technology. GPS coordinates are used to create a virtual boundary around the terrain. If the machine exceeds this limit, a warning is sent to the operator and the machine is automatically stopped.
Cost management of grass solar parks
The costs of managing grass on solar farms can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the size of the farm, the frequency of mowing, the type of mower, and local labor and fuel costs. Below we provide an overview of the average costs of managing grass on solar parks, taking into account the main factors that influence costs.
Size of the solar park
The size of the solar park is an important factor that influences the cost of grass management. In general, the larger the park, the higher the grass management costs. This is because larger parks require more time and resources to maintain.
Mowing frequency
The frequency of mowing can also affect turf management costs. In general, the more often the grass is mowed, the higher the cost. This is because more fuel is required and more man-hours are spent mowing the grass.
Mower type
The type of mower used can also affect the cost of turf management. Some mowers are more expensive to buy, but require less maintenance and fuel. On the other hand, some mowers are cheaper to buy but require more maintenance and fuel.
Save on local labor and fuel costs
Local labor and fuel costs can also affect turf management costs. In some regions, labor and fuel costs are higher than others, increasing the cost of turf management.
Based on the above factors, the average cost of managing grass on solar parks can be estimated at around €500 to €800 per hectare per mowing. On average, the grass on a solar park is mowed three times a year. This means that on an annual basis the costs average € 1500 to € 2400 per hectare. An average solar park is easily larger than 15 hectares, which means that the annual maintenance costs are at least € 22.500 to € 36.000 with traditional green management. This includes costs for fuel, man hours, absenteeism and maintenance costs of the mowers.
The use of autonomous mowing machines will lead to lower costs for grass management on solar parks. Our Vector autonomous mower for solar parks requires fewer man-hours and reduces fuel costs, which will greatly reduce the overall cost of managing grass on solar farms. A Vector costs approximately € 90.000 and lasts 8-10 years. The software and maintenance costs of the vector are approximately € 5.000 per year. This makes the total cost of the Vector autonomous tool carrier about € 15.000 per year. This saves you as an operator about 50% on your annual costs! In addition, the use of autonomous mowing machines will lead to higher efficiency and accuracy, allowing faster and more effective mowing of the grass.