Europe’s ‘first’ robotically tracked PV project is completed in Northern Ireland

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

What is claimed to be Europe’s first PV system to use robotic trackers to follow the sun’s path has been completed and connected at a community college in Northern Ireland.

UK-based PV project developer Castillium has connected the 48kW project at South West College, in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland. It will supply power to the CREST (Centre for Renewable Energy & Sustainable Technology) Passive Pavilion and, following a deal announced in January this year, has been equipped with robotic tracking made by US start-up QBotix. The system is designed to meet the entire annual energy demand of the building, making CREST Passive Pavilion carbon neutral.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The robotic tracking system travels on rails between the system’s photovoltaic (PV) panels, in theory capturing the maximum available solar irradiation throughout the day. According to Castillium, the system has already drawn interest from other countries including Australia.

CREST Passive Pavilion, meanwhile, we be used to provide industry and research and development (RnD) testing facilities for renewable energy products and technologies. Small companies in the region with new products but without the means to put them through rigorous testing will be able to use the CREST facilities.

Castillium’s UK deal with QBotix covers 45MW of PV projects in total, with QBotix claiming that its tracking systems can increase performance by up to 40% over existing fixed mount systems and lower the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) by up to 20%. The systems use autonomous robots, which travel on a track and adjust each mounting system to optimally face the sun in succession, which replaces conventional tracker technology use of multiple individual motors and controllers. The chief executive officer of mounting systems company, Zep Solar, left to head up QBotix in September. While the 45MW deal with Castillium remains QBotix's biggest deal on the table to date, the company also announced further deals at Intersolar North America this year.

Read Next

September 16, 2025
Sunotec has launched Sunotec Nordic to spearhead solar and hybrid renewable project development across the Nordic region.
September 16, 2025
The SPPC has launched a request for qualifications for 5.3GW of new renewable power capacity, of which solar will account for 3.1GW.
September 16, 2025
Chinese polysilicon producer GCL-Tech has entered into a strategic financing agreement with Infini Capital, a globally renowned investment institution backed by a Middle Eastern sovereign wealth fund.
Premium
September 16, 2025
At RE+, industry leaders pointed to the resilience of the US solar sector, despite challenges brought by the 'One Big, Beautiful Bill' Act.
September 16, 2025
IB Solar is investing INR30 billion (US$340 million) in a 4GW TOPCon solar cell and module manufacturing plant in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh.
September 16, 2025
Two of the major European solar trade associations, the European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) and SolarPower Europe (SPE), have called for EU policymakers to take measures supporting European solar manufacturing.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines