Silicon Ranch backs Swap Robotics in agrivoltaics expansion

Silicon Ranch, an independent US power producer, has invested in Canadian robotics firm Swap Robotics, which develops electric autonomous robots for solar site maintenance. The decision followed a successful pilot where the robots, powered by batteries and operable day or night, were tested for vegetation control across large-scale solar farms. Silicon Ranch, which owns about 50,000 acres, traditionally uses sheep for land management and has now integrated Swap’s robots into its agrivoltaics and stewardship program. The robots complement managed grazing by improving efficiency and reducing noise. Swap Robotics has already deployed its technology across thousands of acres. Previous funding rounds included $7 million from SOLV Energy in 2023 and $3 million from Array Technologies in 2024. This investment in Swap Robotics follows Silicon Ranch’s broader growth strategy, including capital support from AIP Management to expand its US solar operations.