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720: Derek Chase Built A Robotics Company For Better Solar Inspections

SunCast

About this episode

Imagine a Roomba on a solar farm with a camera that can automatically inspect modules, wiring, even hot-spots, and report all that information back instantaneously to the asset manager. That level of computer vision and automation is finally possible, and it looks a Lot like a fun Disney character you’d recognize!

Derek Chase, founder and CEO of OnSight, is revolutionizing solar asset management through robotics and computer vision that uses a WALL-E-like advanced autonomous navigation robot to significantly enhance the accuracy of solar farm inspections with AI-powered detection. With more than 15 years in the industry, Derek has pioneered scalable operations and maintenance solutions, successfully building and selling one of the most successful O&M businesses in solar - SunSystem Technologies. 

But Derek is not one to sit on his haunches and relax, nor are his co-founders (most from his previous venture), and his story of stumbling upon the idea for OnSight (at a Garage Sale, no less) is sure to inspire and inform your entrepreneurial tendencies.

Expect to learn:

  • How OnSight's robots autonomously navigate and inspect solar farms, capturing high-resolution data beyond human capability
  • The role of machine learning and computer vision in detecting subtle issues, like high-resistance connections that could cause fires
  • Strategies for funding and assembling a world-class team
  • The future of solar asset management with predictive maintenance and comprehensive data collection
  • Lessons in entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and perseverance 

Listen in to discover how Derek Chase and OnSight are solving the unseen risks of solar one robot at a time.

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720: Derek Chase Built A Robotics Company For Better Solar Inspections

SunCast

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