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