Fluke Survey: 55% of Companies Outsource Solar Maintenance, Highlighting Critical Skill Gap

The solar energy industry is experiencing a significant shift, with a growing number of companies opting to outsource their maintenance operations. According to a recent survey conducted by Fluke Corporation, 55% of solar companies are now relying on external services for their maintenance needs. This trend, while offering immediate cost savings and access to specialized expertise, also highlights a critical skill gap within the industry.

The survey, which engaged over 400 solar OEMs, technicians, and installers across the UK, Germany, Spain, and the USA, revealed that nearly two-thirds of respondents believe solar will become the dominant energy source in their country. However, this optimistic vision is tempered by significant challenges, particularly in the area of maintenance.

One of the most pressing issues is the transition from reactive to predictive maintenance. With 91% of respondents expressing concerns about solar panel efficiency and 39% citing inverter failures as a common issue, the need for a proactive maintenance strategy is clear. Yet, nearly a third of all respondents described their current maintenance strategy as reactive, indicating a reliance on external services that may not prioritize predictive maintenance.



The reliance on external services also raises concerns about the skills shortage within the industry. A notable 59% of respondents emphasized the importance of training technicians to effectively use advanced diagnostic tools to meet evolving challenges. Additionally, 53% highlighted the need for more focused training in electrical troubleshooting and diagnostics. This underscores the urgent need to equip the workforce with the skills to navigate the industry's technological shift.

The outsourcing trend also has implications for supply chain resilience. More than half of those surveyed identified supply chain resilience as a major concern for installers, with macro-economic and geo-political trends continuing to create uncertainty. This uncertainty can affect the availability and timeliness of maintenance services, further impacting the reliability of solar energy systems.

However, the trend towards outsourcing could also drive innovation in the maintenance sector. As external service providers invest in advanced technologies and training to stay competitive, they may develop more efficient and reliable maintenance solutions. For example, 45% of respondents see the integration of AI in solar panel design, optimization, and maintenance as a promising opportunity for advancement.

In conclusion, while the outsourcing trend in solar maintenance presents challenges to the overall efficiency and reliability of solar energy systems, it also offers opportunities for innovation and improvement. The industry must address the skills shortage and supply chain resilience issues to fully realize the benefits of outsourcing. By investing in comprehensive training programs and fostering a culture of continuous learning, companies can build robust in-house maintenance teams and reduce their reliance on external services. This will not only enhance the efficiency and reliability of solar energy systems but also contribute to the industry's long-term growth and sustainability.