In the solar industry, innovation is often associated with new technology — more efficient panels, smarter inverters, or cutting-edge battery storage. But there’s another kind of innovation that’s just as important, and it comes straight from the people on the ground: the installers, engineers, and technicians who spend their days working hands-on with solar systems. Their insights, drawn from real-world experience, are the fuel that powers smarter, more practical solar solutions.
Having spent years bridging the technical and operational sides of renewables, I’ve come to appreciate just how vital field insights are in shaping products, processes, and ultimately the success of the solar industry.
Why Field Insights Matter
When a new solar system is designed, much of the planning happens in the boardroom or the design office. But that’s only part of the story. The real test comes when a system is installed on a roof or integrated into a property’s electrical network.
Installers face unique challenges: awkward roof angles, unexpected wiring layouts, weather conditions, and the everyday quirks of working on site. These factors often don’t come up in early designs or specifications. When overlooked, they can cause delays, cost overruns, or even compromise system performance.
This is where field insights become invaluable. The installers see what works well and what doesn’t. They understand how systems behave in the real world, beyond the ideal conditions of a technical drawing.
Learning from the Frontline
I’ve always advocated for a two-way street between the field and the design teams. It’s too common for feedback to be lost in translation or ignored altogether. But the best companies make sure that what the installation teams learn on site is captured, shared, and used to improve future projects.
For example, one installation team might notice that a particular mounting system takes too long to secure on uneven roofs. Another might find that inverter placement significantly affects system cooling and efficiency. Sharing these observations early allows designers to tweak products or installation protocols, saving time and money down the line.
This culture of learning from the frontline not only improves technical outcomes but also boosts team morale. When installers know their experience matters, they feel valued and more engaged.
Practical Innovation Over Fancy Features
Sometimes innovation is mistakenly equated with complexity or novelty. But some of the most valuable improvements come from simple, practical tweaks that make life easier for installers and end-users alike.
Take cabling routes, for instance. A small change in cable length or routing can make a big difference in installation speed and reduce future maintenance headaches. Or consider system monitoring—feedback from field technicians has driven the development of user-friendly apps that quickly identify faults without requiring a site visit.
These “everyday” innovations might not grab headlines, but they can multiply in impact when adopted across thousands of installations.
Bridging Technical Expertise and Customer Experience
Installers don’t just work with hardware; they also interact with customers daily. Their insights extend beyond the technical to include how people use and perceive their solar systems.
For example, installers often hear from homeowners about confusing interfaces or unclear billing related to export tariffs. This feedback can help companies design better communication tools and customer education materials, improving satisfaction and reducing support calls.
Neville Voss here again—one lesson I’ve learned is that innovation must always serve the customer’s needs. Technical brilliance means little if the end-user finds the system difficult or frustrating to use.
Driving Product Development with Real Data
Field insights are increasingly being captured through digital tools, which provide companies with real-time data on installations, performance, and issues. This data-driven approach helps pinpoint patterns and identify recurring challenges.
For instance, a solar provider might discover that a particular inverter model shows a higher fault rate in certain climates or installation contexts. That knowledge feeds directly into product selection, supplier negotiations, and engineering improvements.
Using field data to guide development is a win-win: customers get more reliable, tailored systems, and companies reduce warranty claims and improve brand reputation.
Training and Knowledge Sharing
Another important aspect of harnessing field insights is using them to enhance training programmes. New technologies and installation techniques can only be effective if the workforce is well-prepared.
By incorporating lessons learned on-site into training materials, companies ensure their teams are up to date and ready for real-world challenges. Regular feedback sessions, peer learning, and hands-on workshops also create a continuous improvement cycle.
This approach not only raises the quality of installations but also fosters a culture of shared expertise and pride in workmanship.
The Role of Leadership in Closing the Loop
To truly benefit from field insights, leadership must prioritise open communication channels and break down silos between departments. From my experience, the most successful solar companies are those where the technical, operations, sales, and customer service teams work closely together, sharing insights and aligning goals.
At Infinity Renewables, I’ve championed this integrated approach. Encouraging installers to report issues freely, holding regular cross-team meetings, and involving field teams in product development discussions have been key to our continuous innovation.
Looking Ahead: Innovation as a Continuous Journey
The solar industry is still in a rapid growth phase. As demand scales up, and as systems become more complex—integrating battery storage, EV charging, and smart home tech—the need for practical, field-driven innovation will only increase.
The companies that thrive will be those that listen carefully to their teams on the ground and use those insights to build smarter, more user-friendly solutions. It’s not just about the latest technology; it’s about applying that technology in ways that work in real life.
Final Thoughts
Innovation in solar energy is not just a matter of engineering brilliance or big ideas. It’s about learning from the real-world experiences of the people who install and maintain the systems every day. These field insights are the secret ingredient that turns concepts into practical, efficient, and reliable solutions.
For anyone involved in renewables—whether in design, sales, or leadership—I urge you to value and actively seek out feedback from your field teams. Their knowledge is a goldmine that can help us all deliver better outcomes for customers and the planet.
By bridging installation with innovation, we build a solar industry that’s smarter, more resilient, and truly fit for the future.