A new, groundbreaking design for APsystems, the DS3 series is launching with multiple power offerings in several major global markets, with outputs up to 960VA—making it the most powerful dual-module microinverter in the world and reflecting APsystems’ commitment to powerful innovation with global capability.
The new platform architecture, built from the ground up by the power electronics design experts comprising APsystems’ engineering and R&D teams, employs the latest breakthroughs in power inversion circuitry, semiconductor device technology, high-speed communication and intelligent control.
The DS3 series is designed to be paired with virtually any choice of PV module type and size, including 60 and 72-cell modules, 120 and 144 split-cell modules, as well as bi-facial modules. With multiple output ranges available, installers can capably find an optimal DS3 microinverter model to match their choice of PV module type, size and capacity to maximize the power output and increase energy harvest. The new product line is also fully compatible with APsystems’ existing QS1 and YC600 microinverters as well as ECU-R, ECU-C and ECU-B gateway devices.
DS3 Series microinverters offer the following features and benefits:
The DS3 Series will launch in Q1 of 2022 with the following models available: DS3-S at 640VA, DS3-L at 768VA & DS3 at 880VA
The DS3 series continues to build on the successful APsystems line of multi-module microinverters, offering reduced logistics costs, faster installation, improved communication and connection features, and a wide MPPT voltage range for greater energy harvest during low light conditions.
Our team enjoyed reconnecting with everyone and sharing our latest product and technology developments with you.
APsystems will be conducting PART 1 of its system installation training on Tuesday, September 28 at 9am PST/12pm EST covering microinverter installation for its current models. PART 2 will take place on Thursday, September 30, at 9am PST/12pm EST and cover ECU set up and EMA walkthrough. This training is at no cost to installers.
PART 1: QS1, YC600 and YC1000 microinverter installation
Attendees will learn the ins and outs of QS1, YC600 and YC1000 microinverters, as well as tips and tricks to streamline their installation. Learn the features and benefits of using APsystems products including installation by a single crew member, reduced overall system cost, faster installation time, fewer SKUs and stocking costs, built-in rapid shutdown compliance, and higher energy harvest over conventional inverters.
PART 2: ECU set up and commissioning, and EMA walkthrough
Our team will take you through the simple and convenient set up of the ECU-R gateway and use of the ECU App. We will then walk you through final step in the EMA web portal and how to navigate those helpful features.
APsystems is proudly sponsoring this year’s NABCEP Conference taking place August 10-12 in Knoxville, TN. Here are the key dates to view and visit APsystems at the conference:
1. 8/9 at 3:30 pm ET – Exhibitor Round Table – APsystems is participating in the exhibitor round table available to all attendees on Monday, August 9th and presenting on Best Practices for Microinverter Installation.
2. 8/10 9:00 am ET – APsystems Training Session: Reducing Your Costs Using Next-gen Multi-Module Microinverters – join APsystems for our annual NABCEP training which confers credits and will explain the ins and out of using multi-module microinverters that save installers time and money.
3. 8/11 3:30 pm ET – APsystems Training Session: Simple & Cost-Effective Solutions for Module-Level Rapid Shutdown Compliance – this session will cover the features and benefits of the Rapid Shutdown Devices (RSD and RSD-D) and Transmitter comprising APsmart’s convenient rapid shutdown system for commercial projects.
We look forward to seeing you there!
APsystems will be conducting PART 1 of its system installation training on Wednesday, July 21 at 9am PST/12pm EST covering microinverter installation for its current models. PART 2 will take place on Thursday, July 22, at 9am PST/12pm EST and cover ECU set up and EMA walkthrough. This training is at no cost to installers.
PART 1: QS1, YC600 and YC1000 microinverter installation
Attendees will learn the ins and outs of QS1, YC600 and YC1000 microinverters, as well as tips and tricks to streamline their installation. Learn the features and benefits of using APsystems products including installation by a single crew member, reduced overall system cost, faster installation time, fewer SKUs and stocking costs, built-in rapid shutdown compliance, and higher energy harvest over conventional inverters.
PART 2: ECU set up and commissioning, and EMA walkthrough
Our team will take you through the simple and convenient set up of the ECU-R gateway and use of the ECU App. We will then walk you through final step in the EMA web portal and how to navigate those helpful features.
APsystems will be conducting PART 1 of its system installation training on Tuesday, May 25th at 9am PST/12pm EST covering microinverter installation for its current models. PART 2 will take place on Thursday, May 27th, at 9am PST/12pm EST and cover ECU set up and EMA walkthrough. This training is at no cost to installers.
PART 1: QS1, YC600 and YC1000 microinverter installation
Attendees will learn the ins and outs of QS1, YC600 and YC1000 microinverters, as well as tips and tricks to streamline their installation. Learn the features and benefits of using APsystems products including installation by a single crew member, reduced overall system cost, faster installation time, fewer SKUs and stocking costs, built-in rapid shutdown compliance, and higher energy harvest over conventional inverters.
PART 2: ECU set up and commissioning, and EMA walkthrough
Our team will take you through the simple and convenient set up of the ECU-R gateway and use of the ECU App. We will then walk you through final step in the EMA web portal and how to navigate those helpful features.
APsystems will be conducting PART 1 of its system installation training on Tuesday, April 20th at 9am PST/12pm EST covering microinverter installation for its current models. PART 2 will take place on Wednesday, April 21st, at 9am PST/12pm EST and cover ECU set up and EMA walkthrough. This training is at no cost to installers.
PART 1: QS1, YC600 and YC1000 microinverter installation
Attendees will learn the ins and outs of QS1, YC600 and YC1000 microinverters, as well as tips and tricks to streamline their installation. Learn the features and benefits of using APsystems products including installation by a single crew member, reduced overall system cost, faster installation time, fewer SKUs and stocking costs, built-in rapid shutdown compliance, and higher energy harvest over conventional inverters.
PART 2: ECU set up and commissioning, and EMA walkthrough
Our team will take you through the simple and convenient set up of the ECU-R gateway and use of the ECU App. We will then walk you through final step in the EMA web portal and how to navigate those helpful features.
New APsystems dual microinverter, the DS3
Despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the solar industry and the global economy overall, 2020 was a banner year for APsystems, which continues to advance its leadership in multi-module microinverter solutions.
The international company celebrated its 10th anniversary, surpassed 1 GW in microinverter shipments, marked a one-day delivery milestone, and further strengthened its relationships with partner companies, particularly in the emerging Latin American (LATAM) market.
APsystems was founded in Silicon Valley in 2010 and has become a global leader in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of module-level power electronics (MLPE) products based on its solar technology.
The company’s co-founders, President and CEO Dr. Zhi-Min Ling and Chief Technology Officer Dr. Yuhao Luo, both have experience in the semiconductor and photovoltaics industries, having served in leading roles at Xilinx and Solaria Corp.
Within about two years, APsystems launched its first single and duo microinverter products. Later, the company launched the YC1000, the first native three-phase quad microinverter, then the dual microinverter YC600 with RPC function, and the QS1 microinverter.
In 2016, Olivier Jacques joined APsystems as vice president. With experience across many high-tech industries, including executive-level positions at Enphase Energy and Samsung Electronics, Jacques played an important role in increasing revenues, developing sales channels, launching a new product platform, and repositioning the company as a value-added solutions provider.
Alvin Xianyu, APsystems LATAM director
Today, APsystems has grown to encompass several global subsidiaries with warehouses, sales, marketing, and technical support teams around the world, including LatAm, Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, serving customers in more than 120 countries.
Main products include both AC-side microinverters and DC-side rapid shutdown devices for residential and commercial solar installations. The company’s EMA energy monitoring and analysis software also provides customer control over each individual module and microinverter in a solar array.
Alvin Xianyu, LATAM director of APsystems, called the company’s 10-year anniversary a “major landmark,” especially in the evolving inverter industry. “It has been a long and exciting journey,” said Xianyu. “The path we’ve taken to get here has been incredibly fulfilling and has brought a strong sense of accomplishment.”
The company has also been profitable each of the past nine years.
“Staying alive is one thing,” said Xianyu, “but growing profitably when you need to heavily invest in R&D on one side, while keeping enough agility to adapt to an ever-changing emerging market on the other side, is another challenge.”
He added that APsystems’ success is primarily due to the “hard work, determination, and patience of the hundreds of talented and committed people who have joined and believed in this company over the years.”
By the end of 2020, APsystems’ global cumulative microinverter shipments surpassed 1 GW, representing more than 3.5 million individual units. They are expected to generate a total 1.24 billion kWh annually and reduce carbon dioxide output by 910,000 tons, equal to the environmental benefits of 45 million trees.
When the impacts of Covid-19 started in early 2020, APsystems adjusted its production and business strategy in a timely manner and achieved growth in several main markets, including the United States, Europe, and LatAm.
APsystems plans to keep concentrating on product and market development. In fact, the company’s next goal is to achieve 1 GW of microinverter shipments annually.
It also reached a one-day delivery milestone last year: On Dec. 1, 2020, the company shipped 22,000 microinverter units totaling over 27 MW. Xianyu said the units were mostly quad microinverters, which offer distributors and installers increased reliability and lower MLPE system costs.
He added the delivery represented a record-setting moment for APsystems and an achievement for any inverter supplier to ship such volume in a single day.
In 2020, APsystems remained focused on steady growth in the emerging LatAm solar market, especially Brazil. To support that growth, the company also devoted itself to strengthening its relationships with key regional partners.
The company has been in the LatAm market for over eight years, and its products have earned a good reputation among regional installers and other industry stakeholders. Xianyu said the company saw the strong potential of the “fast-growing” LatAm market.
“When you combine sufficient solar irradiance with supportive policies on clean energy from local governments, you obtain strong driving factors which set the foundation for a growing and sustainable solar business in LatAm,” he explained.
Another key to APsystems’ success in LatAm has been close collaboration with leading distributors. The company has been working with Ecori Energia Solar, one of the largest distributed generation (DG) PV system distributors in Brazil, for almost six years. Their partnership has helped increase APsystems’ presence in the promising Brazilian market.
“Both of us have the same view of the MLPE segment, and we treat each other as reliable partners as well as good friends,” said Xianyu.
Leandro Martins, president and founder of Ecori
“With a great sense of professionalism and ethics, together we created this market from scratch,” said Martins. “Our resellers started to migrate their sales from other technologies to APsystems microinverters, and they love it.”
Xianyu credited Ecori’s large business and service network in Brazil to the company’s “very professional team highly responsible for added value and contribution to this market through consistent best-in-class technical support and training.”
Although Brazil is among LatAm’s largest solar markets, it still has some obstacles to overcome. “Each coin has two sides; opportunity and challenge always coexist,” said Xianyu.
He said APsystems keeps an eye on uncertainties like potential policy change, unstable exchange rates, and other big challenges like the unexpected impact of Covid-19. Xianyu also cited a desire to continually lower system costs so that microinverter solutions gain even more interest in commercial applications.
“The greatest challenge we face here is to ensure the resellers also do a great job on their installations,” said Martins. “We know that education and training are key for newcomers in the market, as many new companies need to acquire the necessary knowledge to guarantee high-quality installation services for residential and commercial system owners. We believe this is improving.”
Martins pointed out that Ecori offers free training, both online and at the company’s center in São Paulo city. He said, “We are always available to make our market more professional.”
Another challenge is the discussion over potential changes to Brazil’s DG rules. Martins said he hopes the country’s politicians will protect the solar industry, noting President Jair Bolsonaro “already gave many speeches in its favor.” Martins said some associations, such as Movimento Solar Livre, are also “doing a great job trying to avoid any kind of taxation.”
Both Martins and Xianyu are pleased and encouraged to see Brazil’s DG market becoming increasingly mature.
According to Brazilian solar association ABSolar, the country recently surpassed the historic mark of 7 GW of operational PV power. DG solar accounted for most of that capacity, with more than 4 GW installed. Brazil’s government also recently set a target of 45% renewables by 2050.
To help expand Brazil’s MLPE use, APsystems and Ecori plan on maintaining their partnership. Martins said the companies’ six-year relationship is “just the beginning of a very long journey together.”
APsystems already has some new solutions under development. Xianyu said the company will launch a new generation of microinverters for both residential and large roofs based on an entirely new architecture in a few months.
For example, Xianyu mentioned the new APsystems dual microinverter, the DS3. He said this third-generation dual microinverter is the result of unprecedented integration work that has enabled APsystems to reduce the number of components by 20%. It will offer unprecedented power density, delivering 50% more AC output power than the YC600, and will be “fully compatible with our current single-phase dual and quad, the YC600 & QS1, for installation on the same roof.”
After celebrating the company’s 10-year anniversary, reaching milestones, and strengthening key partnerships in emerging markets, APsystems is excited about the future.
“APsystems is now well recognized for its leadership in multi-module microinverter solutions, bringing innovative products to market that are built to last,” said Xianyu. “This is the DNA of the company and will continue to be.”
Despite a certain microbial danger, it’s been a dynamic and exciting year at APsystems. Solar power has made significant headway toward becoming a mainstream power option despite the health crisis that defined 2020.
Why is that? Because there are more intelligent and creative people than ever involved in urging our energy culture toward this new, cleaner path to independence. Designers. Developers. Dreamers and builders of the new.
Each year, solar power system components designer and manufacturer APsystems selects two completed solar project installations—one residential, one business—that we feel deserve special recognition for inventiveness, prescience, and cohesion of philosophy and design sensibility. These projects put solar power in its best light, and illuminate the way moving forward as we continue to fight the good fight against those ecological liabilities, fossil fuels.
Learn more about this project here.
This year, we had so many entries that we decided to call attention to both runners-up in each category, and the recipient of a new Special Recognition accolade. The overall winners were Louisiana-based The Next Solar Energy Technology, the solar power project transformed a solar array into a symbol of restored freedom in the Deep South, and SkyFire Energy of Calgary, Alberta provided more than 2.1 MW of solar power to their Jayman houses, with over 6800 modules across more than 1100 systems. Runners-up were installations from Okanagan Solar and Hot Solar Solutions. A special recognition to Dynamic Solar and Electric NW.
Learn more about this project here.
We hope to see even more contest entries next year, as solar power continues its forward momentum, and new creative forward-thinkers show their chops in the context of our uniquely rewarding industry and its community.
