The Hidden Ceiling in Solar Installation If you’ve been in the solar industry for a while, you’ve probably noticed that most installers never grow beyond a few projects per month. They remain “small shops,” struggling to take on bigger clients or expand operations. I’ve been there too — starting solo, juggling customer calls, installations, and…
What 100 Solar Projects Taught Me Over the years, I’ve installed and overseen more than 100 solar projects — from small residential rooftops to large commercial systems. Each project came with its own challenges, surprises, and learning opportunities. Looking back, I realized that success isn’t just about using high-quality panels or expensive inverters. It’s about…
I’ve been in the solar installation field for years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that tiny tweaks can make massive differences. A while back, I revisited one of my installations — a 3.5kW rooftop system that was performing well but not great. The panels were new, the inverter was efficient, and the…
If you’ve been installing solar systems for a while, you know that efficiency isn’t just about panel ratings or inverter specs — it’s about how the system is installed. Over the years, I’ve seen perfectly good panels underperform simply because of a few small, avoidable mistakes during installation. These are habits many of us develop…
Everywhere you turn, there’s talk about automation, AI, and robots taking over jobs. From self-driving trucks to AI customer service agents, it’s only natural to wonder — what about us, the Solar Installers? I’ve been in the solar industry for years, and I’ve seen how fast technology evolves. But here’s the truth — while automation…
The Efficiency Myth No One Talks About If you’ve been in the solar industry for a while, you’ve probably noticed this:Manufacturers love to talk about solar panel efficiency percentages, but rarely about real-world performance. They’ll print numbers like “22.5% efficiency!” or “400W panel output!” in bold — but those figures are based on perfect lab…
What the Training Manuals Don’t Tell You No matter how many solar installation courses you take, nothing prepares you for the real-world grind.When I first started installing solar systems, I quickly realized that the field doesn’t always follow the manual. You’ll face rooftops that defy geometry, clients who change their minds mid-install, and panels that…
When “Working” Isn’t the Same as “Performing” If you’ve ever installed a solar system that technically works but doesn’t deliver the expected power, you’re not alone.As a solar technician, I’ve seen perfect-looking installations produce only 60–70% of their rated output. The panels are new. The inverter is fine. The batteries are solid.So why do so…
What They Don’t Teach You in Solar School Let’s be honest — no matter how much training you get, the real lessons of solar installation start on the job.When I began installing solar systems, I quickly realized that textbooks and YouTube tutorials don’t cover everything. Sure, you learn the basics — wiring, mounting, inverter setup,…
If you’ve been installing solar for a few years, you’ve probably noticed how much the job has changed. Gone are the days when all you needed were a few wrenches, a tester, and a drill. In 2025, solar installation is smarter, faster, and more data-driven than ever before. New tools are helping installers save hours…
