David Mack: Solar O&M, Rural Growth and Resilience

Send us Fan MailThis episode examines the operational backbone of the utility scale solar industry through a conversation with David Mack, CEO of a group of companies delivering services to solar projects across the UK, Ireland and the United States.Mack describes growing up on a farm in North Norfolk where his parents attempted to develop a wind turbine project in the 1990s. After his mother passed away when he was 8, the project remained a lasting influence. Decades later he revived the scheme and eventually delivered the turbine in 2022 after years of planning inquiries and legal challenges. The experience shaped his commitment to renewable energy and rural enterprise.The discussion explores how renewable energy projects can diversify farm income and create employment in rural communities. From this background Mack founded Everblue in 2015, focusing on operational services such as module cleaning, land management and environmental compliance. The wider group now includes SolarYield in the United States, AgriSolar which advises on biodiversity and agricultural integration and Novola, a geospatial platform for managing solar assets.A central theme of the episode is the operational complexity of large solar farms. Mack explains that scaling operations across gigawatt portfolios requires disciplined systems, training and repeatable processes. Small design decisions such as cable routing or inverter placement can significantly increase maintenance costs over a 30 to 40 year asset life.The conversation also addresses safety risks associated with photovoltaic systems. Solar farms can appear quiet and low risk but panels operate at high direct current voltages that remain energised in sunlight. Proper procedures, insulated equipment and stronger safety awareness are essential during maintenance activities such as module cleaning.Finally the episode reflects on the rapid growth of the solar sector, which has expanded to roughly 3 terawatt peak globally and could reach around 75 terawatt peak by mid century. Both speakers emphasise that the long term success of solar will depend not only on construction but on disciplined operations, maintenance and systemised industry practices that can scale worldwide. 00:00 Introduction and global solar context 00:48 David Mack background and early renewables exposure 03:04 Losing his mother and reviving the family wind project 05:15 Growing up on a farm in North Norfolk 06:45 Farming economics and renewable diversification 08:59 Planning battles and wind turbine opposition 13:21 Renewable development and community acceptance 18:11 Everblue group businesses and solar services 22:30 Operating solar portfolios at gigawatt scale 24:39 Systemising solar O&M operations 28:07 Solar safety risks and high voltage DC hazards 34:30 Solar farm design and long term O&M costs 38:54 Repowering challenges and technology evolution 44:13 Solar development and rural economic growth 46:25 Mental health and isolation in rural industries 49:53 The future of solar photovoltaics 58:47 Global solar growth toward 75 terawatt 1:01:11 Closing reflections on scaling solar