Steven
Product Manager
Joined March 2018
What’s your role at Hoymiles?
I’m responsible for our microinverter range and some other new innovations that we’re working on. That involves being right across the product lifecycle in areas like understanding product needs in more than 80 countries and safeguarding product quality. I also have an important internal role, bridging the gap and helping communication between R&D, manufacturing and marketing.
How long have you been in the industry?
I majored in power electronics and have been working in the field for ten years. I got into the photovoltaic industry specifically around three years ago.
What’s your professional passion?
I majored in power electronics and have been working in the field for ten years. I got into the photovoltaic industry specifically around three years ago.
What do you enjoy most about working at Hoymiles?
As a team, we all put our customers first. When a customer has a requirement, I can provide a comprehensive solution – one that addresses those requirements, but also exceeds expectations.
What’s your biggest accomplishment?
One thing that stands out is my role in improving production testing. I helped standardize how tests are completed, reducing errors from 30% to 3% and driving better accuracy and efficiency.
What’s your biggest challenge?
Before Hoymiles, I was a hardware engineer. That was a very different role from the product manager. So my ongoing challenge is to adapt my thinking – to define and develop products from a customer perspective and treat a series of products as one holistic system. It’s a constant area for improvement!
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
Our products are sold around the world, so I’m always on standby. If a customer has a technical issue at midnight, so be it. But I try not to let work take up my life. During the week, I maintain healthy habits like regular exercise. And, at the weekend, I focus on spending time with my family.
What’s your favorite book or podcast?
I like reading history books. China: A Micro-History will always be special because it was the first history book I read. But I also like Guns, Germs and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond.
What do you think solar technology will be like in 100 years?
I think solar energy will become the world’s largest source of power and green buildings will be everywhere. Instead of worrying about pollution, we’ll be finding new ways to integrate solar, wind power, electric vehicles and other technologies. Today, the idea of a photovoltaic highway is advanced, but I believe this will become the standard way to charge your electric vehicle. Hoymiles will continue to explore solar energy, make innovative applications possible, and help everyone live with power that’s safe, efficient and accessible.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Outdoor sports, especially cycling. I used to cycle from Chengdu to Lhasa, I also enjoy self-driving tours like the one from Hangzhou to Dali, Yunnan. I suppose what I enjoy most is going out, exploring, and experiencing different cultures and lifestyles.
