Greetings readers! Today, in the world of the solar industry, we stand at the precipice of understanding how major incidents can have ripple effects across our community. The trust in solar companies determines perceptions and the adoption of solar panels for your home.
No industry is immune to the occasional hiccup; whether it’s self-driving cars or the aero industry, mistakes and mishaps manage to hog the limelight. Similarly, in the solar industry, whenever a solar array for a home suffers a rare yet influential problem, the entire solar community often takes a reputational hit.
From 2015 to 2019, according to the National Fire Protection Association, fires caused by rooftop solar systems did not even make it to the list of the top five leading causes of home fires. The truth is fires instigated by solar equipment are exceedingly rare, yet the media magnifies each exception, contributing to certain misconceptions about solar power.
It’s time we appreciate that solar is a collaborative effort. A typical solar company cannot transform the energy industry alone; it requires the combined efforts of several entities. An array of solar companies converge to design, deploy, install, maintain, and own these systems. If problems arise, the blame game must be replaced with collective responsibility.
To move ahead, the solar industry needs to pivot towards understanding that solar is a united front. A faultless solar array for a home doesn’t just depend on one aspect; it’s a culmination of reliable design, impeccable installation, and unerring equipment.
A unique example of this industry’s interconnectedness can be seen when dealing with ‘crosstalk.’ For those of you new to the term, crosstalk refers to electromagnetic interference caused by the interaction of adjacent energized cables in large electrical systems, which can affect solar arrays. Good design, proper installation, and high-quality components together can mitigate this interference.
Similar to the solar industry, hold responsible the entire automotive industry or the entire air travel industry for a single mishap? Of course not. Just as self-driving car accidents are anomalies, so too are fires ignited by solar equipment. But as the saying goes, perception is reality.
What is essential is that every solar company and every aspect of the solar value chain, from engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms to installers and distributors, understand their role in safeguarding the reputation of solar. By prioritizing quality across all categories, we can help strengthen public faith in solar and advance the growth of this transformative solution.
Despite the incredible strides we’ve made, the solar sector must continue to improve, work together, and maintain a high standard of quality. Together, we are all part of the ‘solar’ identity, interconnected in the collective swing of our fortunes.
By upholding these shared standards, we will be able to ward off dramatic headlines and amplify the many benefits of adopting solar, thereby ensuring a brighter, more solar-powered future. Remember, we are only as strong as the weakest link in our solar industry chain.
With all this in mind, I urge all those involved in our industry – from salespeople to installers – to continue prioritizing quality and working together. For the rest of us, the next time we read an overly dramatic headline about solar, let’s stop and consider the whole story. As always, I encourage your questions, comments, and conversation on all things solar!
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/01/29/solar-is-a-team-sport/
