Artificial intelligence is showing up in every corner of the solar industry—from proposal software to microinverters—and it’s reshaping how installers work. In this Solar Builder interview, Editor-in-Chief Chris Crowell talks with Jason Higginson, Head of Marketing for North America at APsystems, about how AI tools are improving design, sales, customer service, and long-term system performance.
We cover:
- Why AI is no longer optional for solar businesses
- The top AI tools installers should start using right now
- How APsystems is building AI into its microinverters, storage, and APdesigner software
- Real-world impacts on efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability
If you’re a solar installer looking to stay competitive in 2025 and beyond, this conversation breaks down what you need to know.
0:19 Why AI matters for solar installers now
1:35 Where AI is embedded in today’s solar tools
2:35 Boosting customer satisfaction and reducing errors
3:22 No-brainer AI tools for solar companies
4:49 Example of AI-driven design with APdesigner
8:15 Is AI good enough to help avoid change orders?
9:31 Operational AI in the field: commissioning & troubleshooting
11:25 APsystems and AI optimization
13:02 AI-powered battery management and time-of-use savings
13:46 Manufacturing & background AI applications
15:15 Looking ahead: proactive AI tools for solar businesses
17:18 AI for O&M, customer follow-ups, and repowering
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