Afleveringen
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On this episode of the Raptor Report, Avery Black and Don Nista sit down with Andrew Morse, VP of Software at FTC Solar and Founder of Straylight Ventures, to discuss the expanding role of robotics in the solar industry.
Andrew provides a unique perspective on automation, arguing that robotics are not a replacement for the workforce but a natural evolution of the technologies we already deploy, such as tracker control systems. The conversation centers on the concept of the "Force Multiplier"âhow leveraging robotics for repetitive or dangerous tasks allows human crews to double productivity and focus on high-value critical thinking.
In this episode, we cover:
The Force Multiplier Effect: How to double field productivity without doubling headcount.
Safety & Efficiency: Reducing risk by removing technicians from heavy lifting and high-voltage environments.
Technology Evolution: Why robotics are the next logical step in site instrumentation and control.
Adoption at Scale: Moving beyond pilot programs to widespread industry integration.
Related Resources:
The Raptor Maps 2025 State of Solar Robotics: https://raptormaps.com/resources/state-of-solar-robotics-2025Straylight Ventures 2025 Solar Robotics Report: https://straylightventures.com/product/2025-solar-robotics-report/FTC Solar Robot-Ready Report: https://www.ftcsolar.com/robot-ready-solar-construction/Who's Raptor Maps?
Raptor Maps is a solar management platform at the intersection of AI and robotics. Our services combine the industry's most comprehensive visual analytics suite with the ability to orchestrate solar management, construction, and operations work by people and robotics. In turn, Raptor Maps provides the digital foundation teams need to scale their capabilities without straining their budgets and to ultimately increase the reliability and return of their solar assets.
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In this episode of The Raptor Report, we sit down with Nick DeVries, CTO of Silicon Ranch Corporation, one of the nation's largest independent solar power producers. With over 14 years at Silicon Ranch and a background spanning semiconductor manufacturing to solar power plant design, Nick brings a unique perspective on building assets designed for 40+ year lifespans.
Nick introduces the concept of solar being "digitally native"âunlike other forms of energy generation that were built before modern data tools existed, solar has always generated streams of actionable data. He explains how this advantage is enabling Silicon Ranch to manage operations across 180+ projects in 16 states through AI-powered analytics, from thermal imagery identifying equipment issues to comprehensive environmental monitoring. We dive deep into how artificial intelligence is helping operators process the overwhelming amount of visual and sensor data flowing from modern solar farms.
The conversation also explores Silicon Ranch's strategic approach to domestic sourcing, highlighting the operational advantages of shorter lead times, higher quality control, and faster issue resolution that come from building with U.S.-made equipment. Nick shares how their long-term ownership modelâowning both the power plants and the land for decadesâenables smarter material choices and stronger community relationships.
Finally, Nick unveils his innovative research on "solar savannas"âa novel ecosystem approach to agrivoltaics that combines solar panels, grasslands, and livestock to create mutually beneficial relationships between energy generation, land health, and biodiversity. This groundbreaking work demonstrates how solar development can enhance rather than compete with agricultural land use.
Who's Raptor Maps?
Raptor Maps is a solar management platform at the intersection of AI and robotics. Our services combine the industry's most comprehensive visual analytics suite with the ability to orchestrate solar management, construction, and operations work by people and robotics. In turn, Raptor Maps provides the digital foundation teams need to scale their capabilities without straining their budgets and to ultimately increase the reliability and return of their solar assets.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this episode of The Raptor Report, we explore the rise of floating solar with Thomas Lang, Director of Technology and Business Development at AccuSolar. As demand for clean energy accelerates and land availability tightens, floating solar presents a unique opportunity to generate renewable power while conserving precious water resources.
Thomas unpacks how floating solar works, where itâs being deployed, and why itâs becoming an increasingly attractive option for utilities, municipalities, and data center developers. From anchored rafts on cooling ponds to evaporation reduction and seasonal panel tilting, this conversation covers both the fundamentals and the advanced considerations of deploying solar on water.
What youâll learn in this episode:
What floating solar isâand why it's not "rocket science"How systems are installed and maintained without boatsWhere floating solar is most impactful (think cooling ponds, reservoirs, water treatment sites)The performance edge: up to 15â20% higher energy yield than ground-mountThe environmental upside: up to 50% less water evaporation, less algae growthLCOE insights: Why floating solar is cost-competitive despite higher capexHow public policy and federal mandates are shaping market growthThomas also shares his unconventional path into clean energyâfrom Middle East counterterrorism work to pioneering floating solar in the U.S.âand gives a glimpse into where the industry is headed next.
Who's Raptor Maps?
Raptor Maps is a solar management platform at the intersection of AI and robotics. Our services combine the industry's most comprehensive visual analytics suite with the ability to orchestrate solar management, construction, and operations work by people and robotics. In turn, Raptor Maps provides the digital foundation teams need to scale their capabilities without straining their budgets and to ultimately increase the reliability and return of their solar assets.
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In this episode of The Raptor Report, weâre joined by Daniel Dus, CEO of Cleantech Industry Resources (CIR), for an in-depth conversation about how the solar industry is evolvingâand how CIR is helping to lead that transformation.
Daniel brings nearly two decades of experience in renewable energy and shares his journey from bootstrapping a utility-scale project during the 2008 financial crisis to building CIR into a global, tech-forward powerhouse. Listeners will gain insights into how CIR is rethinking project development through a unique model: offering commoditized engineering and consulting services on-demand, across solar, wind, battery storage, and EV infrastructure.
We discuss how CIR:
Has commoditized 95% of the development process for renewable projects.
Uses AI and advanced software to cut tasks like due diligence from 100 hours to less than 10.
Operates a global, 24/7 team across time zones to manage projects in real-time.
Enables IPPs, developers, and EPCs to scale quickly without growing internal overhead.
Is rapidly hiringâfrom seasoned solar veterans to internsâwith a focus on knowledge transfer and inclusion.
Daniel also explores the broader implications of AI in solar, the importance of âorganizational scar tissue,â and how CIRâs model differs from traditional development and construction firms. He shares how the company supports clients during periods of project surge, policy shifts, or market uncertaintyâproviding a flexible solution without the bloat of traditional operations.
We touch on the impacts of tariffs, supply chain dynamics, and the importance of vendor agility in todayâs competitive landscape. Daniel emphasizes that while software and automation are critical, experience remains irreplaceableâand CIR's approach blends both.
Whether you're a solar professional, a tech innovator, or simply passionate about the clean energy transition, this episode is packed with practical insights on scaling solar with speed, precision, and transparency.
Who's Raptor Maps?
Raptor Maps is a solar management platform at the intersection of AI and robotics. Our services combine the industry's most comprehensive visual analytics suite with the ability to orchestrate solar management, construction, and operations work by people and robotics. In turn, Raptor Maps provides the digital foundation teams need to scale their capabilities without straining their budgets and to ultimately increase the reliability and return of their solar assets.
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Who's Raptor Maps?
Raptor Maps is a solar management platform at the intersection of AI and robotics. Our services combine the industry's most comprehensive visual analytics suite with the ability to orchestrate solar management, construction, and operations work by people and robotics. In turn, Raptor Maps provides the digital foundation teams need to scale their capabilities without straining their budgets and to ultimately increase the reliability and return of their solar assets.
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https://lightsourcebp.com/us/
Who's Raptor Maps?
Raptor Maps is a solar management platform at the intersection of AI and robotics. Our services combine the industry's most comprehensive visual analytics suite with the ability to orchestrate solar management, construction, and operations work by people and robotics. In turn, Raptor Maps provides the digital foundation teams need to scale their capabilities without straining their budgets and to ultimately increase the reliability and return of their solar assets.
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Chris Wilson is Raptor Maps' Inspections Enablement Specialist, but many know him as "The Drone Whisperer." This episode takes a deep dive into how drones are used on solar farms and how emerging technologies are changing the landscape of solar inspections. Who's Raptor Maps?
Raptor Maps is a solar management platform at the intersection of AI and
robotics. Our services combine the industry's most comprehensive visual
analytics suite with the ability to orchestrate solar management,
construction, and operations work by people and robotics. In turn,
Raptor Maps provides the digital foundation teams need to scale their
capabilities without straining their budgets and to ultimately increase
the reliability and return of their solar assets. -
Kyle Cooper is the CEO of ACT Power Services, an independent service provider created to provide industry-leading Operations and Maintenance services to clients across the solar industry. Kyle discusses ACT Power's high-touch, collaborative operational model with their customers, the complexities of managing a solar + storage site, displacing outdated industry practices, and more. Who's Raptor Maps?
Raptor Maps is a solar management platform at the intersection of AI and
robotics. Our services combine the industry's most comprehensive visual
analytics suite with the ability to orchestrate solar management,
construction, and operations work by people and robotics. In turn,
Raptor Maps provides the digital foundation teams need to scale their
capabilities without straining their budgets and to ultimately increase
the reliability and return of their solar assets. -
https://1planetrecycling.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/oneplanet-solar-recycling/
Who's Raptor Maps?
Raptor Maps is a solar management platform at the intersection of AI and robotics. Our services combine the industry's most comprehensive visual analytics suite with the ability to orchestrate solar management, construction, and operations work by people and robotics. In turn, Raptor Maps provides the digital foundation teams need to scale their capabilities without straining their budgets and to ultimately increase the reliability and return of their solar assets.
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Bill Badnaruk and Kenton Dreiling join the show to discuss how Enel is utilizing drones and other technologies to conduct solar PV inspections.
Bill serves as the Head of Industrial Risk and Cross Technology Improvement for an established leading company for clean energy: Enel North America.
Kenton works alongside Bill as the Robotics Technology Manager for Enel. This episode will go in depth and explore how Enel is utilizing drones and other technologies to conduct solar PV inspections. Who's Raptor Maps?
Raptor Maps is a solar management platform at the intersection of AI and
robotics. Our services combine the industry's most comprehensive visual
analytics suite with the ability to orchestrate solar management,
construction, and operations work by people and robotics. In turn,
Raptor Maps provides the digital foundation teams need to scale their
capabilities without straining their budgets and to ultimately increase
the reliability and return of their solar assets. -
Jacob is a PV SCADA and battery storage subject matter expert with over 10 years of experience within the solar industry. Who's Raptor Maps?
Raptor Maps is a solar management platform at the intersection of AI and
robotics. Our services combine the industry's most comprehensive visual
analytics suite with the ability to orchestrate solar management,
construction, and operations work by people and robotics. In turn,
Raptor Maps provides the digital foundation teams need to scale their
capabilities without straining their budgets and to ultimately increase
the reliability and return of their solar assets. -
https://www.sunrun.com/
https://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/f150-lightning/
https://www.aes.com/luna-and-lab-energy-storage
Who's Raptor Maps?
Raptor Maps is a solar management platform at the intersection of AI and robotics. Our services combine the industry's most comprehensive visual analytics suite with the ability to orchestrate solar management, construction, and operations work by people and robotics. In turn, Raptor Maps provides the digital foundation teams need to scale their capabilities without straining their budgets and to ultimately increase the reliability and return of their solar assets.
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PVEL Hail Tests
https://www.linkedin.com/company/pv-evolution-labs/videos/native/urn:li:ugcPost:6851549281535565825/?isInternal=true&viewAsMember=true
https://www.linkedin.com/company/pv-evolution-labs/videos/native/urn:li:ugcPost:6958394408673144832/?isInternal=true&viewAsMember=true
Who's Raptor Maps?
Raptor Maps is a solar management platform at the intersection of AI and robotics. Our services combine the industry's most comprehensive visual analytics suite with the ability to orchestrate solar management, construction, and operations work by people and robotics. In turn, Raptor Maps provides the digital foundation teams need to scale their capabilities without straining their budgets and to ultimately increase the reliability and return of their solar assets.
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Dustin Hayes is a hybrid installer with Clean Solar - the fastest-growing residential and commercial solar installation company in the San Jose, California area. We’ll be digging into Dustin’s experience installing solar for residential properties as well as his current efforts involving energy storage systems. Who's Raptor Maps?
Raptor Maps is a solar management platform at the intersection of AI and
robotics. Our services combine the industry's most comprehensive visual
analytics suite with the ability to orchestrate solar management,
construction, and operations work by people and robotics. In turn,
Raptor Maps provides the digital foundation teams need to scale their
capabilities without straining their budgets and to ultimately increase
the reliability and return of their solar assets. -
The West Texas Power Plant that Saved the World
https://www.amazon.com/Texas-Power-Plant-Saved-World/dp/1682830934
Who's Raptor Maps?
Raptor Maps is a solar management platform at the intersection of AI and robotics. Our services combine the industry's most comprehensive visual analytics suite with the ability to orchestrate solar management, construction, and operations work by people and robotics. In turn, Raptor Maps provides the digital foundation teams need to scale their capabilities without straining their budgets and to ultimately increase the reliability and return of their solar assets.
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Mike Williamson is the Director of Construction for Northeast Solar PV and Energy Storage for Ameresco. We'll be digging into how solar farms are constructed, the importance of battery energy storage systems, and what the future of the solar industry looks like. Who's Raptor Maps?
Raptor Maps is a solar management platform at the intersection of AI and
robotics. Our services combine the industry's most comprehensive visual
analytics suite with the ability to orchestrate solar management,
construction, and operations work by people and robotics. In turn,
Raptor Maps provides the digital foundation teams need to scale their
capabilities without straining their budgets and to ultimately increase
the reliability and return of their solar assets. -
More information on:
Babcock Ranch - https://babcockranch.com/
Urban Land Institute - https://uli.org/
Florida Green Building Coalition - https://www.floridagreenbuilding.org/
U.S. Green Building Council - https://www.usgbc.org/
Who's Raptor Maps?
Raptor Maps is a solar management platform at the intersection of AI and robotics. Our services combine the industry's most comprehensive visual analytics suite with the ability to orchestrate solar management, construction, and operations work by people and robotics. In turn, Raptor Maps provides the digital foundation teams need to scale their capabilities without straining their budgets and to ultimately increase the reliability and return of their solar assets.
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Raptor Maps Cofounders Nikhil Vadhavkar and Eddie Obropta star as the feature guests of the first-ever Raptor Report podcast. This episode digs into the origin story of Raptor Maps and explores both how solar has evolved over the past decade and what the industry's future holds.
Raptor Report is your new go-to source for all things solar. Each episode will highlight the latest trends and developments within the solar industry. Who's Raptor Maps?
Raptor Maps is a solar management platform at the intersection of AI and
robotics. Our services combine the industry's most comprehensive visual
analytics suite with the ability to orchestrate solar management,
construction, and operations work by people and robotics. In turn,
Raptor Maps provides the digital foundation teams need to scale their
capabilities without straining their budgets and to ultimately increase
the reliability and return of their solar assets.
