ReneTrax

As solar capacity scales globally, maintenance capabilities are lagging behind, causing dirty panels to lose up to 50 % of their efficiency. Mechatronics startup ReneTrax is closing this gap. Backed by the AWS Incubator, the team is developing AI-powered, fully autonomous robotic systems to automate solar farm cleaning and inspection.

Who are you, and what does your startup do?

We are the founding team behind ReneTrax, combining deep academic knowledge with extensive hands-on engineering experience.

As mechatronics engineers, we share a passion for developing intelligent technologies that support a more sustainable future. Together, we cover the full innovation cycle, from analysis and engineering design to prototyping, optimization, and scalable production.

At ReneTrax, we are developing AI-powered fully autonomous robotic maintenance systems for large-scale solar plants. Our goal is to automate cleaning and maintenance processes to reduce energy losses, operational costs, and water consumption while improving the efficiency and sustainability of solar energy systems.

What problem are you solving, and why does it matter for a sustainable future?

Large-scale solar farms lose significant amounts of energy and money due to dust, dirt, and insufficient maintenance of solar panels. Depending on the environment, dirty panels can reduce energy efficiency by 5 % to 50 %, which directly affects power generation and profitability.

Current cleaning methods are often water-intensive, labor-intensive, risky, and time consuming. In many cases, cleaning alone is not enough, because solar plants also require regular inspection and maintenance to operate efficiently.

This challenge is becoming even more critical today because solar capacity is scaling rapidly, while maintenance and inspection capabilities are not scaling at the same pace. As solar portfolios grow, operators must manage more assets across larger and more remote sites, often with limited visibility into the condition and performance of each asset. This creates a growing gap between installed solar capacity and actual energy output.

At ReneTrax, we are developing AI-powered fully autonomous robotic maintenance systems that automate cleaning, inspection, and maintenance processes for large-scale solar plants. By making solar power more efficient, reliable, and easier to maintain, we help support the transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy production.

Where are you currently and what are your next steps?

We are currently in the prototype development phase at ReneTrax, supported by the AWS

Incubator. We have already secured pilot interest from Wien Energie, RWA, and industrial

rooftop solar installations, while also engaging in discussions with several utility-scale solar farm operators.

Our next major milestone is the development and validation of a functional prototype through real-world pilot testing. These pilot projects will help us further optimize the system’s

performance, autonomy, and scalability under actual operating conditions.

At the same time, we are actively expanding collaborations with industry and research partners to accelerate development, validate the technology, and prepare the system for larger-scale deployment in the solar energy sector.

Any advice for other founders in sustainability?

Make sure your solution is solving a real problem, not only a problem you believe exists, but

one that customers truly feel and are actively looking to solve. Sustainability alone is not enough; the solution must also create clear practical and economic value.

Talk to users early, test your assumptions, and stay close to the real needs of the market. At the same time, believe in your vision and stay persistent, because building sustainable technologies takes time, resilience, and continuous learning.

Most importantly, build a team that shares the same mission and values, because strong

teamwork is essential during difficult phases of the startup journey.