When I started out as a solar installer, I was just excited to get my hands on projects. I’d take on complete installations for prices that barely covered materials. Back then, I told myself it was “good exposure” or a way to “build my name.” But years later, I’ve realized how common — and dangerous…
Over the years, I’ve installed, tested, and maintained countless solar energy systems — from small home setups to large hybrid installations. If there’s one question I’ve been asked more times than I can count, it’s this: “Should I go for lithium or lead-acid batteries?” It’s a fair question — and honestly, one I struggled with…
As someone who has spent years working with solar energy systems — from residential rooftops to large commercial installations — I’ve come across one debate that never seems to die: transformer-based vs. transformerless inverters. Every time I speak with installers, engineers, or even curious homeowners, this topic comes up. Which is better? Which one lasts…
When it comes to solar installations, solar mounting is one of those things that looks simple—until something goes wrong. I’ve seen it all: panels shifting after a few months, leaks from poorly sealed penetrations, or systems producing less power than expected—all because of small mounting errors. Whether you’re a new installer or a seasoned pro,…
Why Solar Site Assessments Matter More Than You Think Every successful solar installation begins long before the panels hit the roof. It starts with a solid site assessment — the foundation of every efficient and reliable system. I’ve seen even experienced installers rush this stage, only to face issues later — panels shaded at noon,…
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…
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…