The relentless pursuit of a reliable and resilient power supply is driving a seismic shift in the commercial and industrial (C&I) sector. Businesses, from office buildings to manufacturing facilities, are increasingly prioritizing electrical infrastructure that can handle high loads and ensure critical equipment operates smoothly, even during grid failures. This isn’t just a U.S. phenomenon; enterprises worldwide are seeking technologies and services that bolster power reliability and support decarbonization goals.
Jon De Martin, CEO of Australia-based SCE Energy Solutions, a solar power and energy technology company, sheds light on this trend. “While we do not always know exactly what motivates our customers to go solar, we know very well why they choose SCE: high quality, great system performance and safety, outstanding reliability and O&M [operations and maintenance] services, and the power to easily monitor system performance with high accuracy,” De Martin asserts. His insights reveal a company deeply invested in the C&I sector, where reliability and performance are paramount.
SCE Energy Solutions designs, installs, and maintains C&I solar installations, focusing on delivering optimal asset performance. The company’s operations and maintenance (O&M) workload is substantial, with over 20,000 modules monitored across more than 100 systems. The smallest units of photovoltaic solar generation, the solar modules, are crucial for optimized generation, data monitoring, and system safety. Module Level Power Electronics (MLPE) provide control at this granular level, benefiting both system owners and O&M teams. SCE has long utilized Tigo Energy optimizers for this purpose.
However, De Martin emphasizes that hardware alone is insufficient. The “software-defined” approach is increasingly vital, where software creates value beyond the hardware’s capabilities. When combined with a robust software platform, module-level control and data resolution become truly powerful. The Energy Intelligence (EI) Platform from Tigo is a prime example. It filters out noise, providing actionable insights that minimize downtime, reduce maintenance costs, and maximize system performance.
SCE’s success stories underscore the transformative power of MLPE. Initially, the company faced limitations due to shading, but MLPE optimizers expanded the addressable market and increased output. Today, with a Tigo TS4 on every module, SCE achieves complete site visibility down to the module level. The EI platform validates module performance, visualizes energy gains, and enhances customer satisfaction through transparent results.
The importance of on-site power production for C&I enterprises cannot be overstated. De Martin highlights that the decision to deploy solar hinges on multiple factors, including energy independence, cost control, and decarbonization goals. MLPE offers flexibility during system specification, allowing optimization for energy needs, financial concerns, and site constraints. This adaptability is evident in SCE’s diverse customer base, ranging from wineries to construction equipment companies.
This trend towards reliable, self-generated power is reshaping the C&I sector. As businesses seek to control energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint, technologies like MLPE and advanced software platforms will become indispensable. The ability to monitor and optimize power systems at a granular level will drive innovation, enhance reliability, and support the global push towards decarbonization. This shift is not just about adopting new technologies; it’s about redefining how businesses approach energy management, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future.
