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 the quiet countryside of Lanesville, Indiana, innovation meets everyday utility in a solar installation that’s as practical as it is powerful. Designed and installed by Apollo Solar, the 14.85kW system has been named the 2024 U.S. Residential Project of the Year in APsystems’ Installation Awards.

The award-winning project features a custom-built solar carport that delivers dual benefits: providing covered parking for the homeowners while generating enough clean energy to bring the household to net zero. With a commitment to solving multiple homeowner needs through one integrated solution, Apollo Solar has set a new bar for residential solar excellence.

“We’re always looking for ways to meet the unique needs of our clients,” said Christopher Robinson, Owner of Apollo Solar. “This install provided the perfect opportunity to combine form, function, and sustainability.”

A longtime believer in APsystems technology, Apollo Solar chose APsystems microinverters for this installation due to their reliability, performance, and flexibility. “APsystems is always our go-to,” Robinson explained. “Fewer points of failure, dependable performance, and user-friendly monitoring—it’s what every homeowner wants in a solar setup.”

The installation process was described as streamlined and consistent, thanks to the plug-and-play nature of APsystems’ microinverter lineup. The system’s flexible configuration made it an ideal match for a custom carport project, delivering seamless integration across panel orientations and conditions.

End users have expressed high satisfaction, citing the simplicity of the monitoring platform and the peace of mind that comes with a trustworthy product. Even the city and utility inspectors were impressed—so much so that Apollo Solar was added to the area’s list of recommended installers.

For Apollo Solar, this project is more than a win—it’s a testament to what’s possible when design, purpose, and technology come together. With APsystems microinverters as a constant in their toolkit, Apollo continues to bring bold ideas to life—empowering homeowners with energy independence and smart solar design.

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At APsystems, we’re on a mission to make clean, reliable energy more accessible than ever. With more than 6GW of energy installed in over 150 countries, our microinverter technology continues to support the world’s transition to a zero-carbon future. But none of this would be possible without the installers and visionaries who bring these systems to life every day.

So now, it’s time to celebrate them. Our Solar Project winners represent the most creative and impactful installations of the year in the USA, showing just how far innovation in solar design has come. Thank you to everyone who submitted your work—we were blown away by the quality of entries, and choosing winners was no easy task.

In the residential category, Apollo Solar takes home the top prize for their sleek solar carport design that proves style and performance can go hand in hand. “The one consistent factor is the inverter installation—the APsystems Microinverter lineup,” said Christopher Robinson. “Knowing we can always count on one constant reliable aspect of each installation keeps our team confident we can take on any project we come across.” Arch Solar earns second place for their rooftop installation supporting a growing winemaking operation in Milwaukee. “The DS3’s compatibility with bifacial modules and seamless microinverter performance made this the right solution,” said Andrew Holmstrom.

The Next Solar Energy leads the way in the commercial category with a bold and patriotic array shaped like the American flag. “This project is a symbol of sustainability and patriotism,” said CEO Roger Timoteo. 93Energy takes second place for their clean and efficient install for Cavero Coatings in Illinois.

Carlson Electric wins in the nonprofit category for their work at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Wisconsin. This thoughtful project brings clean energy to a community institution and will soon feature a public display showcasing real-time solar production. “The QT2 microinverter’s ability to handle 3-phase, 208V power was critical for this nonprofit site, making APsystems the ideal partner,” said Dan Herscher.

This year, we introduced a new category: AgriSolar. Ag Technologies won this recognition for their impressive work supporting Curtis Creek Dairy in Indiana. The project is dedicated to the memory of James Straeter, the late owner of Ag Technologies, whose commitment to innovation continues to inspire the solar and agriculture communities.

Congratulations to all of our 2024 Solar Project Winners! Your work continues to push the solar industry forward, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.

 

SEE ALL PAST WINNERS HERE