In an AI world, real-life technicians are still most important element of solar O&M

While remote monitoring systems provide real-time performance insights and outage alerts, they cannot independently resolve all issues that arise in solar systems. Solar O&M technicians perform critical hands-on work including inspecting, evaluating, testing, repairing, and maintaining complex equipment such as solar module arrays, inverters, switchgear, circuit breakers, transformers, batteries, and data acquisition systems. Many asset owners continue to experience underperformance issues that require skilled professionals to diagnose and fix problems that automated systems alone cannot address. Additionally, technicians work as part of teams to manage and train other employees, providing expertise that technology cannot fully replace.

The Operations & Maintenance sector is the fastest-growing segment in the solar industry, with jobs increasing 116% over the past five years. This rapid growth is driven by the increasing adoption of solar energy systems being put into service, which require ongoing professional servicing and maintenance. The global solar panel operation and maintenance market was valued at $5.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10.1%, reaching $16.4 billion by 2034. Regular maintenance is critical because neglecting it can reduce energy production and lead to costly repairs, making skilled O&M technicians essential for maximizing system efficiency and protecting owners' investments in solar technology.