Derek Chase’s Robotic Vision

Are you a founder intrigued by the intersection of robotics and renewable energy? Join host Josh David Miller, aka JDM, as he interviews Derek Chase, the innovative founder and CEO of Onsite Technology, on the StartupSac Podcast. This episode dives into Derek’s entrepreneurial journey, his passion for solving complex problems, and the groundbreaking robotic solutions reshaping solar maintenance.

About Derek Chase

Derek Chase is a lifelong entrepreneur and Sacramento native. From running a successful lemonade stand as a child to founding a revolutionary robotics company, Derek’s journey has been driven by creativity, competitive spirit, and a love for solving big challenges. With experience in building and scaling a solar maintenance company to over 500 employees before its successful exit, Derek combines industry expertise with a visionary approach to innovation.

About Onsite Technology

Onsite Technology is transforming the solar maintenance industry with cutting-edge robotics. The company provides fully automated, remote-operated robots and fire-detection systems for solar farms, reducing costs and improving efficiency. Onsite’s flagship products include maintenance robots and the Owlcam, a 360-degree camera system capable of detecting fires and monitoring sites, setting a new standard for safety and sustainability in renewable energy.

Key Learnings

Derek’s Journey as a Founder Derek’s entrepreneurial journey is rooted in resilience and creativity. Growing up in Sacramento, his competitive spirit drove him to embrace challenges, transitioning from leading a large solar maintenance company to founding Onsite Technology. His participation in the Growth Factory accelerator provided critical early funding, mentorship, and technical talent.
The Inspiration Behind Onsite Technology Derek’s experience in solar maintenance revealed inefficiencies and safety concerns in managing large-scale solar farms. These challenges, combined with his children’s interest in robotics, inspired him to create automated solutions to improve efficiency and reduce labor demands.
Innovating with Robotics Onsite Technology’s robots automate labor-intensive solar farm maintenance tasks, offering cost savings and enhanced safety. The Owlcam product adds a new layer of innovation, providing advanced fire detection and site monitoring to protect billion-dollar assets.
Lessons for Founders Derek advises founders to embrace challenges outside their expertise, leverage accelerator programs for early support, and iterate quickly. His story underscores the importance of persistence, collaboration, and market timing in building a successful startup.

Listen In and Learn More

To explore Derek Chase’s entrepreneurial journey and discover the groundbreaking innovations of Onsite Technology, tune in to the StartupSac Podcast. This episode is packed with insights on launching a robotics startup, navigating early-stage challenges, and leveraging technology to revolutionize an industry.