BMW reveals solar powered robots

Posted on 29 Jul 2014 by Victoria Fitzgerald

BMW announced the completion of the installation of its 3MW rooftop solar array at its Mini factory in Oxford yesterday.

The project is expected to produce enough green energy to power 850 homes.

The majority of the power generated will run more than 1,000 robots at the site’s production line.

The project, installed by EvoEnergy, features 11,500 260kW solar panels and was completed ahead of schedule in May.

EvoEnergy’s projects director Michael Salisbury said: “We knew it could be done, but it required a construction method far removed from your standard domestic or commercial installation.

“We opted for 24,000 aerodynamic solion frames, which interlock like building blocks underneath the PV, to provide the ballast-free solution that was needed.

“Now fully tested…BMW’s finished array is a prime example of a business making good use of a space that was previously left empty, for the benefit of their operations and the environment.”

Following similar investments from Toyota and Seat, BMW is the latest car manufacturer to invest in a solar array.