In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with James (JD) Dillon, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at Tigo Energy, about the technologies that help solar installations operate more efficiently, safely, and reliably. JD explains how module-level power electronics (MLPE) improve solar panel performance, provide visibility into individual modules, and enable rapid shutdown to protect first responders. The conversation also explores how monitoring and emerging AI capabilities could transform solar maintenance, why aging installations are creating opportunities for equipment upgrades, and how battery storage software helps homeowners manage their electricity use. JD also shares why improving quality across solar equipment, system design, and installation will be essential to the industry’s long-term growth.
Episodes > Season 4
Episode 184
10.27.2026
#184 – The Technology Making Solar Smarter and Safer with Tigo Energy
Hosted by Sarah Malpeli
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Listen On
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Apple
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Talking Points
- Module-level technology helps solar systems perform better and operate more safely – JD explains how power optimizers reduce the impact of shading, debris, and differences between individual panels, while module-level monitoring helps identify performance issues.
- Better monitoring could change how solar systems are maintained – With visibility down to individual panels, installers can remotely identify problems and plan maintenance more efficiently. JD also discusses how AI could eventually help predict equipment failures before they happen, making solar operations and maintenance more proactive.
- Long-term solar growth depends on improving quality across the industry – JD emphasizes that better components alone are not enough. Solar manufacturers, installers, designers, and certification organizations all play a role in improving system quality, especially as installations age and more homeowners rely on solar for decades of electricity production.
Resources + Links
- James (JD) Dillon, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at Tigo Energy, LinkedIn
- Sarah Malpeli, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Vice President of Client Services and Growth at Technica Communications, LinkedIn