US solar manufacturer SunPower Corp purchased Greenbotics Inc. The latter manufactures robots that can clean solar panels. The purchase of Greenbotics would mark SunPower's seventh acquisition since it was established. The California-based solar maker did not disclose the financial terms of the transaction.  

The robots would reportedly allow SunPower to save money. It would also enable the firm to increase its energy yield in dry and dusty areas each year by up to 15%, according to a press release. By removing the dirt and dust from the photovoltaic and solar thermal arrays, the panels reportedly produce more more. SunPower added that the robots could also reduce water consumption by up to 90%. The California-based solar maker did not disclose the financial terms of the transaction. 

According to a Bloomberg report, the solar industry had started to rely on robots, such as the ones made by Greenbotics, to decrease expenses related to installation and maintenance. The robots also enabled solar power to compete with fossil fuel. In the past three years, prices of solar panels had decreased by over 60%, the report added.