{"id":107678,"date":"2024-10-23T13:17:11","date_gmt":"2024-10-23T17:17:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/\/?p=107678"},"modified":"2024-10-23T13:17:29","modified_gmt":"2024-10-23T17:17:29","slug":"beyond-hardware-software-and-service-define-the-next-era-of-solar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/\/2024\/10\/beyond-hardware-software-and-service-define-the-next-era-of-solar\/","title":{"rendered":"Beyond hardware: Software and service define the next era of solar"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"We frequently hear the refrain that \u2018the solar industry is growing rapidly.\u2019 What this means in real terms is that installers are deploying ever larger systems and that the number of systems for which they are responsible post-commissioning is growing as well. Because the solar industry is not immune from its own version of Moore\u2019s Law, solar technology is also becoming more sophisticated and producing increasingly large amounts of data at finer resolutions.<\/p>\n

In the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) market segment, solar has grown by an average of 7% year-over-year<\/a> in the past decade. At the same time, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that the cost of electricity from traditional generating methods will rise consistently, opening a bright horizon for renewable energy options, like solar, to help homeowners and businesses save money and become energy resilient.<\/p>\n

In his classic book, Crossing the Chasm<\/em>, Geoffrey Moore taught us to \u2018surround your disruptive core product […] with a whole product that solves for the target customer\u2019s problem, end-to-end.\u2019 For solar, the core products have historically been modules, inverters, power management and conditioning components and so on. Today, software is the \u2018whole product\u2019 that solves solar problems \u2018end-to-end.\u2019 As in so many other corners of the tech industry, software truly unlocks value and enables scalability and service unlocks longevity and customer satisfaction. As a bit of a laggard industry, the success of solar depends on catching up both in terms of software and service.<\/p>\n

Advances in software improve all aspects of solar: more efficient planning, design and installation, more innovative features, better control and flexibility and much more efficiency. A more service-oriented culture \u2014\u00a0from system design to collaborative installation and from commissioning to O&M \u2014\u00a0improves the quality and longevity of systems and delights customers with more uptime and return on investment.<\/p>\n

Contributing to long-term growth<\/h4>\n

\"\"Top-tier solar hardware alone can\u2019t reach its full potential without the support of advanced software. Modern solar and solar + storage systems generate vast amounts of data that cannot be interpreted efficiently without the help of digital tools. The key is leveraging advanced data models and analytics through sophisticated software, which is vital at every stage of the solar lifecycle \u2014 from planning and installation to commissioning and maintenance \u2014 especially as the scale of installations grows.<\/p>\n

Software functions such as remote monitoring, commissioning support and portfolio management are tools that unlock operational and financial efficiency, particularly for larger systems. The real challenge is identifying issues often missed by routine checks, which is where remote monitoring proves invaluable.<\/p>\n

For example, when system output dips below expectations, advanced software allows installers to detect, diagnose and address problems remotely before they impact performance. This proactive approach prevents small inefficiencies from escalating and compounding, which protects performance-based contracts. Installers can also compare device models and manufacturers based on field data, ensuring they can bid the best combination of price, performance and reliability.<\/p>\n

Paired with module-level power electronics (MLPE), sophisticated software and active monitoring not only optimize solar production but also enhance operations and maintenance while providing critical first-responder safety.<\/p>\n

Shifting to a collaborative, service-driven culture<\/h4>\n

\"\"Over the next five years, the solar industry will likely consolidate around a few key hardware manufacturers offering more comprehensive solutions. The shift toward all-in-one systems will be driven by the advantages of fully integrated software and the assurance of unified service offerings. High-quality software and exceptional service already set companies apart in the marketplace.<\/p>\n

At the same time, the solar industry is embracing a culture of continuous improvement throughout the entire value chain. While quality assurance and reliability testing have traditionally focused on hardware, the future success of the industry will hinge on a commitment to excellence supported by formal processes and a service-focused approach from all market participants. This is essential for long-term growth and industry success.<\/p>\n

This shift toward a more integrated, software-driven and service-centric model is the future of solar energy. By prioritizing quality in design, installation, equipment and service, we collectively propel the growth and success of solar and, in turn, a more sustainable future.<\/p>\n

Solar is a team sport<\/h4>\n

The target customers for the solar industry range from rural homeowners to urban affordable housing dwellers to suburban factory managers and huge utility solar farm operators. While each will have unique requirements, the \u2018whole product\u2019 that Mr. Moore refers to must include software and service components. In many instances, delivering a high-quality and reliable solution will involve collaboration between multiple companies. If even one part of this value chain fails, it reflects poorly on the entire solar industry. For better or worse, we are all part of the ‘solar’ industry and collectively share both our successes and challenges. As we continue to innovate and improve, the collaboration between solar hardware manufacturers, software developers, installers and service providers is essential.<\/p>\n

By integrating advanced software, delivering a service-oriented culture and working toward Total Quality Solar together, we can unlock the full potential of solar energy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We frequently hear the refrain that \u2018the solar industry is growing rapidly.\u2019 What this means in real terms is that installers are deploying ever larger systems and that the number of systems for which they are responsible post-commissioning is growing as well. Because the solar industry is not immune from its own version of Moore\u2019s…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18117,"featured_media":107679,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[640,3004,551],"tags":[],"class_list":{"2":"type-post","10":"entry","11":"has-post-thumbnail"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nBeyond hardware: Software and service define the next era of solar<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We frequently hear the refrain that \u2018the solar industry is growing rapidly.\u2019 What this means in real terms is that installers are deploying ever larger\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, 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