Greg Smith Shares Real-World Lessons on the SunCast Podcast

Greg Smith, Tigo's Global Director of Learning, joined Nico Johnson on the SunCast Podcast for a candid conversation from NABCEP 2026 about the mistakes that cause the most common solar service issues and how they can be prevented long before an installer arrives on the roof.

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Better System Design Starts Before Installation

One of Greg's biggest takeaways is that many of the industry's most expensive problems originate during system design - not during installation. Thoughtful equipment selection, proper system planning, and attention to installation details help prevent callbacks and ensure systems perform as expected over their lifetime.

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"A lot of this boils down to what I've coined over the years: RTFM - Read the Fun Manual. We analyzed our service calls, and about 30% of them come down to people simply not reading the documentation." - Greg Smith

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Set the Right Homeowner Expectations

Greg also emphasizes the importance of educating homeowners before installation begins. From understanding battery backup capabilities to discussing critical load panels and backup duration, setting realistic expectations leads to better customer experiences and fewer surprises during grid outages.

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Communication Is Key to Long-Term Reliability

As solar systems become more connected, Greg explains that communication issues have become one of the industry's most common service calls. Proper component placement, careful commissioning, and following installation best practices can significantly improve long-term system reliability while reducing unnecessary truck rolls.

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Whether you're designing systems, installing equipment, or helping homeowners understand their investment, Greg's conversation offers valuable insights into building solar systems that perform reliably for years to come.

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Watch the full episode of the SunCast Podcast to hear Greg's practical lessons from nearly two decades in the solar industry.