In Southern Illinois, Martin Solar is setting a new standard for residential energy performance. Their dual-axis tracking and energy storage installation in Waterloo earned first place in the Storage category in the annual APsystems Project of the Year Awards.

Designed to minimize grid reliance while maximizing production, the 22kW-DC system features a 40-module dual-axis tracker paired with DS3 microinverters that follow the sun throughout the day. The installation is expected to generate approximately 41,000 kWh annually, delivering exceptional efficiency and long-term value for the homeowner.

Complementing the solar array is a powerful 120 kWh APstorage solution utilizing 12 batteries. With expanded backup capability and increased energy capture, the system provides greater resilience, independence, and control over household energy use.

“We go to great lengths to ensure top-notch installation quality and project performance for our customers,” said Preston Nelson of Martin Solar. “We have tested numerous PV inverter and ESS storage systems since our founding in 2021, and can confidently say that no other compares with either the immediate or long-term value and product offering by APsystems.”

Nelson emphasized that microinverter reliability and flexibility played a critical role in the project’s success.

“AP microinverters make most all of our projects successful, including this one,” he said. “AP micros are some of the only available at all common voltage and phase configurations, right out of the box, so we use them ubiquitously across our network. Their most efficient module-level production and real-time monitoring are invaluable for ongoing support and maintenance, and the standard 25-year warranty makes AP the best value inverter option for Martin Solar and its expanding customer base.”

The decision to deploy APsystems technology was driven by both technical performance and long-term bankability.

“As you are probably aware, we’ve become big fans of AP,” Nelson added. “The ease of setup, monitoring, and maintenance; the flexibility of design and configuration; the long-term reliability with warranty; and competitive pricing make AP the biggest bang for the buck. Where AP really goes above and beyond is in the support category, especially with storage support.”

Nelson also pointed to the accessibility and expertise of APsystems’ technical team as a differentiator.

“APsystems offers the quickest, most helpful U.S.-based tech support, and AP engineers are even accessible for questions,” he said. “As we’ve built this business, I’ve experienced numerous inverter hardware, software, and support companies, and can confidently say that none comes close.”

The homeowner response has reinforced the system’s success, with straightforward module-level monitoring and strong production helping the site exceed energy expectations. Visible from a nearby highway, the installation has already sparked curiosity from passersby interested in bringing similar capabilities to their own properties.

For Martin Solar, the Waterloo installation reflects a commitment to thoughtful engineering and customer-first solutions. By combining advanced tracking technology with robust storage, the project demonstrates how modern residential systems can deliver both exceptional performance and lasting peace of mind.

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At APsystems, innovation in solar is driven by the installers and partners who apply advanced technology to real-world challenges. Each year, our Project of the Year program highlights installations across the United States that demonstrate strong system design, technical execution, and meaningful impact.

The 2025 submissions reflected the continued growth of the solar industry across residential, commercial, nonprofit, and storage applications. We are proud to recognize this year’s Project of the Year winners, second place projects, and honorable mentions.

First Place Winners

In the nonprofit category, Swiftwater Electric and Solar earns first place for their installation at Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church in Washington. Funded through a state resiliency grant, the system was designed to provide reliable power during outages, allowing the church to serve as a community refuge. APsystems DS3 microinverters were selected for their reliability and proven performance in critical-use applications.

Martin Solar takes first place in the storage category for the Waterloo Residential Tracker project in Illinois. The system combines a dual-axis tracking array with APsystems DS3 microinverters and a 120 kWh energy storage solution. Designed to maximize energy production and financial return, the project demonstrates how integrated solar and storage can deliver long-term value for residential customers.

Southeast Energy Solutions wins the commercial category for their installation at Silver Bluff Brewery in Georgia. The 96.9 kW rooftop system spans multiple elevations and navigates rooftop obstructions using QT2-208 microinverters. The design maximizes available roof space while providing detailed module-level monitoring and long-term reliability.

In the residential category, Solar Installers of Florida earns first place for their Longwood project. The 114-panel system spans six roof surfaces and offsets approximately $1,000 per month in electricity costs. APsystems microinverters enabled flexible array design, strong performance in partial shade, and a clean aesthetic with all wiring routed through the attic.

Second Place Winners

Jolma Electric LLC earns second place in the nonprofit category for their Bayfield Rec Center installation in Wisconsin, a grant-funded system that cuts electricity costs by roughly 50 percent using QT2-208 microinverters.

Second place in the commercial category goes to GRID Alternatives for The Carlton in South Los Angeles, where a rooftop solar system helps reduce energy costs for an affordable housing community using QT2-208 microinverters.

Ecotech Solar receives second place in the residential category for the Timber Creek Community project in Washington, a multi-home development designed with APsystems microinverters and future expansion in mind.

Honorable Mentions

Honorable mentions include Apollo Solar (operating as American Roofing Solar) for the Woodies Restorations project in Kentucky, Hardt Electric for their commercial installation at the American College of Chest Physicians headquarters in Illinois, and Bonbon Electric 2021 for the Orshansky Residence in California, all recognized for high-performing systems using APsystems microinverter technology.

Congratulations to all of our 2025 Project of the Year winners and honorees. Your work continues to raise the standard for solar installations across the United States.

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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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