AI is everywhere in solar, but the real question is whether the industry can turn the hype into measurable productivity gains. Recorded live at Intersolar Europe 2026, this episode of Watt Matters explores how AI, automation, robotics, and connected software are changing the way utility-scale solar projects are designed, engineered, built, and operated. As projects become more complex, grids more constrained, and margins tighter, the ability to make better decisions earlier in the project lifecycle is becoming a competitive advantage.
Host Conrado speaks with Joachim Rupp, a renewable energy and cleantech advisor and independent board member; David Trainavicius, CEO of PVcase; and Ángel Galván of Nextpower. Together, they examine the practical realities of AI adoption, the importance of data quality and security, the economics of automation, and the evolution of solar technology beyond individual components. From AI-enabled workflows to robotic inspection and terrain-following tracker systems, the conversation explores how technology can help the industry scale without compromising project quality, reliability, or financial performance.
Takeaways
- AI delivers the most value when it improves real business processes rather than being adopted for its own sake.
- Disconnected tools and fragmented data can limit optimization across the solar project lifecycle.
- Data quality is foundational to useful AI models and better project decisions.
- Trust, cybersecurity, confidentiality, and intellectual property must shape AI adoption.
- The growing complexity of solar, storage, and hybrid projects is increasing the need for smarter workflows.
- Tighter margins are pushing developers to focus more on project optimization, analytics, and return on investment.
- AI can help software teams experiment, develop products, and deliver improvements faster.
- Robotics can support solar plant monitoring, fault detection, and maintenance.
- Terrain-following trackers and more integrated technology platforms can reduce unnecessary site grading and improve construction efficiency.
- The next productivity leap will depend on combining technology, reliable data, and human expertise.
Chapters
00:00 – Why solar needs its next productivity leap
01:04 – Joachim Rupp on AI adoption across the industry
03:41 – AI agents, trust, and responsible automation
05:27 – Data security, confidentiality, and choosing the right use cases
06:30 – Why renewable energy projects are becoming more complex
10:00 – Human oversight, AI costs, and the limits of automation
19:08 – David Trainavicius on building a connected solar workflow
20:51 – How AI is accelerating PVcase product development
22:14 – Balancing AI innovation with customer data protection
24:14 – Solar’s transition from subsidy-driven growth to optimization
27:32 – Turning technology into better project execution
27:52 – Ángel Galván on integrated solar technology
28:39 – Nextpower’s expanding platform beyond trackers
31:09 – Robotics, plant monitoring, and fault detection
33:01 – Business value over technology hype
34:38 – Terrain-following trackers and smarter site development
36:10 – Improving tracker performance and foundation reliability
38:00 – Scaling solar through smarter software and systems
To learn more about accelerating solar project success and how PVcase supports developers from design to delivery, visit www.pvcase.com.
Watt Matters by PVcase
At PVcase, we’re on a mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.
That’s why we created the Watt Matters podcast - a must-listen series for developers, engineers, analysts, and decision makers shaping the future of large-scale solar.
Each episode tackles the tough realities behind why so many solar projects stall - and what we can do to fix it.
We bring together industry leaders to share strategic insights, practical tools, and real-world experiences.
Learn more at https://www.pvcase.com/