DECEMBER - JANUARY19axis trackers because that additional 20 percent generation makes the project economics that much better. Using Technologies like Machine Learning and Deep Learning to Improve Solar Energy Forecasting MethodsThere are certainly applications on the software and controls side of larger projects for artificial intelligence. For example, using weather data can help tell a tracker when to go into stow positions in real-time, or it can be used on the operations and maintenance side when it comes to servicing. However, I see the area with the biggest near-term impact of the AI revolution being solar project realization. Whether it's layout automatization, project automatization, or ROI automatization ­ these areas can receive a big boost from artificial intelligence that will help us scale and realize the energy transition faster. In fact, we can see this already in the residential rooftop sector with tools that can quickly do layouts on a roof because these projects are relatively cookie-cutter. For larger and utility-scale projects, there's more complexity and, thus, more engineering that goes into it. But just as artificial intelligence improves, there's no reason to think that it won't be able to overcome those complexities. That moment will be a great inflection point for our ability to scale in this industry because, right now, projects require a lot of engineering, which becomes a pinch point to project realization. That's why I always tell my team, "We have to engineer the engineering out of our projects." This may sound strange coming from one engineer to a group of engineers, but I'm talking about using our engineering skillsets alongside artificial intelligence to do more projects with the same amount of people.Previous Experiences That Empowered You to Enhance Resource Conservation and Elevate Quality of LifeBefore leading the engineering and product development team at Valmont Solar, I had a very similar role in Valmont for Valley Irrigation. This was the first experience where my passion for developing technology and solving hard problems met with doing something good for the planet and its people. Valmont's tagline is "Conserving Resources. Improving Life." It goes all the way back to the organization's roots and speaks to my hunger to solve problems that make a positive impact. At its core, Valley Irrigation is about growing more food with less water. It was easy to get up in the morning and go to work applying advanced sensors and control algorithms, machine learning, and diagnostics to do more with less. My transition to Valmont Solar fits right in with that. We develop products and technology to increase the production of solar plants. While irrigation and solar are quite different, both are unique in that they benefit from a focus on simple, reliable design that will stand the test of time and that they can advance a more sustainable way of life for people and the planet. Advice for Senior Leaders and Cxos Working in the Solar Power IndustryNever stop learning. You're never too old to learn something new. Keep Improving.
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