In Superior, Wisconsin, history and clean energy now stand side by side. Carlson Electric LLC has been named the U.S. Nonprofit Winner in APsystems’ 2024 Installation Awards for their thoughtful 21.6kW ground-mounted solar project at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center. The installation not only lowers operating costs for the Center but also demonstrates how solar power can educate and inspire an entire community.

The project began when the Bong Center applied for and received a Solar for Good Grant from the Couillard Solar Foundation, with support from RENEW Wisconsin. The grant covered half the cost of the solar panels, but the Center still needed an experienced local partner to bring the vision to life. Having already completed work for other Solar for Good recipients, Carlson Electric was the natural choice, bringing both expertise and a strong community connection.

Technical requirements made APsystems the clear solution. With the Center’s 3-phase, 208V service, options were limited, but APsystems’ QT2 microinverter proved to be a perfect fit. “The QT2 microinverter’s ability to handle 3-phase, 208V power was critical for this nonprofit site, making APsystems the ideal partner,” explained Dan Herscher, Sales Consultant at Carlson Electric. The QT2’s unique 4:1 panel-to-microinverter ratio also enabled faster, more efficient installation compared to traditional 1:1 microinverters, saving time and labor on-site.

For the Bong Center, solar was never just about offsetting bills. A key goal of the project is education: real-time monitoring of the system’s production will be displayed prominently in the Center’s lobby, giving visitors – school groups, veterans’ families, and community members alike – a window into renewable energy in action. “The Bong Center is pleased with the ability to monitor the solar production,” Herscher shared. “Displaying solar production on a monitor was a major requirement, and APsystems technology makes that possible.”

In April of this year a ribbon cutting featuring the Mayor of Superior, Chamber of Commerce representatives, local media, and other community leaders. Carlson Electric received a warm reception, as this community project represents both an investment in clean energy and a tribute to veterans through lower operating costs that help sustain the Center’s mission.

While Carlson Electric specializes in residential and small commercial projects, this installation reflects the company’s growing role in nonprofit and community-focused solar. Herscher and the team continue to build momentum, grateful for APsystems’ reliability and innovation. “We really appreciate having a 3-phase microinverter option,” Herscher added, underscoring how critical the QT2 has become to their work.

From lowering costs to educating visitors, Carlson Electric’s award-winning project shows how clean energy can do more than power buildings – it can power stories, legacies, and communities.

 

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When it comes to merging bold design with clean energy impact, The Next Solar Energy stands in a league of its own. Led by CEO Roger Timoteo, the Louisiana-based company earned top honors in the Commercial category of the 2024 APsystems USA Installation Awards for a remarkable solar project that quite literally waves the flag for sustainability.

Designed in the shape of the American flag, this commercial installation is both a high-performance energy system and a patriotic statement. “This project is a symbol of sustainability and patriotism,” said Timoteo. “It represents our commitment to innovation and the values we share with the communities we serve.”

What sets The Next Solar Energy apart is their ability to scale clean energy with creativity and efficiency. Known for delivering sleek, functional designs tailored to client goals, the team executed this complex array with precision—maximizing visibility and output without sacrificing affordability or reliability.

To power the installation, The Next Solar Energy chose APsystems DS3 microinverters, citing their ease of installation and time efficiency as key advantages. “Among others: ease of installation and time efficiency, these two features are extremely helpful for our planning and logistics team, especially for installs that need to be completed quickly,” said Timoteo.

While every project presents its own challenges, the team remained committed to problem-solving and performance delivery. “We have had some troubles trying to start up the system due to poor connectivity on-site, but APsystems support and our team’s effort allowed us to overcome those challenges,” he noted.

Timoteo also pointed out how APsystems stands apart from others in the microinverter space: “Overall we see these as the main differences: cost, flexibility, and product reliability. These factors make a big impact when you’re working on large-scale or time-sensitive installations.”

End user feedback has been “overwhelmingly positive,” with site owners noting the transparency and performance tracking that comes with APsystems’ real-time monitoring tools. “The local community has been very receptive to the design and idea behind the project,” Timoteo shared. “It’s something they’re proud to see in their area.”

The project has not only generated clean energy, but also served as a powerful example of how solar installations can go beyond function and become symbols of local pride and purpose.

“As a large company with multiple successfully installed APsystems projects, we continue to see value in both their product and their people,” said Timoteo. “We look forward to building more projects that align with our mission – and APsystems helps us make that possible.”

With this flag-shaped array, The Next Solar Energy has proven that technical excellence and creative vision are not mutually exclusive – they’re essential partners in building a sustainable future.

 

 

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In Fair Oaks, Indiana, a cutting-edge dairy operation is leading the way in sustainable agriculture with a solar installation designed to match the pace and precision of modern farming. Designed and installed by Ag Technologies, Inc., the 574.4kW AC system at Curtis Creek Dairy has been recognized as the AgriSolar Project of the Year in APsystems’ 2024 U.S. Installation Awards.

This year marked the introduction of the AgriSolar category, created to highlight the role of solar in supporting farms and food systems across North America. Ag Technologies received the inaugural award for their exceptional work helping Curtis Creek Dairy significantly offset energy use at its grain bin facility and dry cow barn—while ensuring 100% of the solar power is used onsite across the larger Fair Oaks Farms campus.

The project also carries special meaning. It is dedicated to the memory of James Straeter, the late owner of Ag Technologies, whose forward-thinking vision and deep commitment to sustainable agriculture continue to guide the company’s work and influence the broader industry.

To meet the site’s performance goals, Ag Technologies paired APsystems’ QT2 480V microinverters with their own Solarcam tracking system, which delivers about 7.5% more energy than a traditional fixed-tilt setup. The system starts producing earlier and continues later in the day than string inverter alternatives—maximizing output and reliability across the board.

“These inverters have met and exceeded production expectations,” said Mike Straeter, Manager at Ag Technologies. “The ability to monitor wattages, voltages, and system performance in detail is a huge advantage for a farm of this complexity.”

Panel-level reporting, high energy yield, and seamless onsite integration made APsystems microinverters the clear choice. Combined with Ag Technologies’ deep experience in agricultural installations, the system was designed not just for efficiency, but longevity and ease of operation.

“APsystems delivers where it counts: efficiency, performance, and support,” Straeter added. “That kind of consistency gives our customers peace of mind.”

This award-winning project is more than a solar install—it’s a reflection of the values that drive both the agriculture and solar industries forward. It’s a legacy project in every sense, delivering power, progress, and purpose to one of the country’s most innovative dairy operations.

 

SEE OTHER WINNERS HERE

 

 

 

Winner of the APsystems 2023 Non-Profit Solar Project of the Year Award

In the heart of Yakima, Washington, lies Wellness-House, a safe place for those whose lives have been affected by the diagnosis of a life-altering illness, either personally or by a loved one. As a non-profit organization offering no-cost services such as counseling, wigs, and prosthetics, Wellness House relies on community support to fulfill its mission. Dynamic Solar & Electric NW Corp, winner of the AP Systems 2023 Non-Profit Category Solar Project of the Year Award, stepped in to install a solar array, reducing operational costs and allowing Wellness House to allocate more resources to its programs.

With over 15 years of experience, Dynamic Solar & Electric NW Corp embodies its core values of innovation, efficiency, satisfaction, and community impact in every project. Their dedication to customer satisfaction is evident in their approach, as they strive to make every solar experience memorable for their clients. Offering 100% financing for qualifying customers at competitive rates, they make the dream of going solar a reality for many.

Moreover, DSE believes in the importance of community impact. For every system installed, they set apart funds to provide solar for those who cannot afford it, partnering with local organizations and churches to make a difference in their community and beyond.

APsystems DS3 microinverters were chosen for their exceptional performance and near real-time reporting capability. Gustavo Carvajal, President of Dynamic Solar & Electric NW Corp and solar industry expert of 15 years, notes, “APsystems is an excellent solution for shade issues such as trees and obstructions.” Reflecting the company’s commitment to innovation and adaptability, Carvajal adds, “The installation is simple, and the products have evolved to respond to increasing solar module capacity.” He also emphasizes the reliability of APsystems microinverters, “our company can quickly detect and solve problems with microinverters thanks to online reporting, which communicates professionalism and customer care.”

Carvajal continually chooses APsystems for its competitive pricing, proven technology, ease of installation, and robust online reporting. Dynamic Solar & Electric NW Corp has confidently relied on APsystems microinverters for residential and commercial solutions, with customers pleased with their performance, reliability, and service.

Thank you, Dynamic Solar & Electric NW Corp, for your dedication to the non-profit sector and for being a valued APsystems partner.

See other 2023 project winners here