APS VIDEO: YC500 and YC100 microinverters, the installers’ choice

Installers nationwide and around the globe choose APS microinverters for their power, reliability, ease of installation and value. Hear why leading solar professionals rely on the APS YC500 and YC1000 microinverters in our new product videos, appearing now on the APS Youtube channel.

 

APS SUMMER REBATE HEATS UP – and it’s even hotter for first-time APS installers

Summertime means lots of solar being installed all across the country, and APS America, and its A+ Rewards summer incentive programs, leave you with no excuses not to try their microinverters and also put some money in your pocket. Plus, APS America is now offering a huge bonus incentive for first-time installers.

With the new Tiered Rewards Program, the more APS microinverters you buy through Sept. 30, 2015, the bigger your rebate – up to $15 back per unit.

APSYSTEMS-solarpro-banner970x250-july-2015

That’s right: Every APS  YC500 microinverter you purchase from an authorized APS  distributor through Sept. 30, 2015, will earn you up to $15 back from APS. Show proof of purchase through the rebate website http://summer-promo.aplus-rewards.com, and APS will send you a Visa® Gift Card with value added for every microinverter purchased during that period.

Purchase up to 50 APS microinverters (the basic tier), and you’ll receive a $5 rebate per unit. Order more, and watch your rebate grow with every tier:

  • 1-50 units purchased: $5 rebate per unit
  • 51-150 units purchased: $10 rebate per unit
  • 151-400 units purchased: $13 rebate per unit
  • 401-plus units purchased: $15 rebate per unit

The rebates are tiered, and the number of units you purchase adds up over the course of the promotion, so as you order more, your rebate level increases.

For example, the rebate amount for a 500-unit total would be $6,000 (calculated as 50 @ $5, plus 100 @ $10, plus 250 @ $13, plus 100 @ $15). That’s tremendous savings you won’t find anywhere else in the industry – our reward to you for being an APS partner installer.

Are you a new installer?

First-time APS installers who order APS microinverters through a participating distributor will receive even more: a $250 Visa® Gift Card, and a free ECU (Energy Communication Unit) – with free monitoring for the life of the product. Plus the tiered rebate on top of that.

With $250 back and a free ECU with free monitoring, there’s no better time to try APS and find out why it’s the fastest-growing solar microinverter provider in the world.

Full terms and conditions of the rebate program are available at http://summer-promo.aplus-rewards.com, or email aplus@apsamerica.com.

The new APS A+ Rewards Tiered Rebate & First Time Installer Programs run July 1 through Sept. 30, 2015.

Place your order with your participating APS distributor today.

ef176093-c0f5-4d02-a08f-ab71212720bf

APS VIDEO: We make energy affordable

Installers nationwide and around the globe choose APS microinverters for their power, reliability, ease of installation and value. Find out what APS has to offer and contact us for purchase and distribution opportunities.

National Solar Distributors offers APS microinverter line across Canada market

apsystems-national-solarEdmonton, Alberta-based National Solar Distributors now offers the APS advanced solar microinverter line to PV installers across Canada.

National Solar serves all of Canada from Vancouver Island to the Maritimes, with an emphasis on the western provinces.

The company is a full-service stocking PV distributor, offering modules, mounting solutions, inverters, and balance-of-system components, as well as equipment for off-grid systems of all sizes.

National Solar will offer the APS line as its exclusive microinverter solution.

“APS has the perfect mix of reliability, price and service as a vendor,” said Matthew Lisac, National Solar director of operations. “Our installers love the ease and speed of installation, and not having to worry about messy and expensive cables. Our goal is to make APS the No. 1 microinverter in Canada.”

National Solar was founded in 2014 by Lisac and Matthew Lannigan. With more than 20 years’ combined experience in the PV and electrical industries, the pair bring expertise in systems and support to Canada’s growing solar industry.

“We are the friendly, service-oriented distributor with a focused approach to products,” Lisac said. “That means we can offer great products at competitive prices.”

The agreement extends the APS microinverter line’s reach in a Canada solar market that is just hitting stride. The province of Ontario has been a solar hot spot for some years, Lisac said, with Alberta tabbed as the country’s next breakout regional market.

“But every province has great potential, including our northern territories,” Lisac said. “Solar has grown organically in most of the country, so when grid-parity arrives and demand skyrockets, there will be a plethora of professional, experienced installers ready to do their part.”

Ryan Simpson, APS USA senior director of business development, welcomed the opportunity to bring APS microinverter technology to more customers in North America, after excellent response from installers across the U.S.

“Canada is clearly poised to see tremendous growth in consumer-level renewable energy,” Simpson said. “As a global leader in solar innovation, APShas the most forward-thinking microinverter solutions for this emerging marketplace.”

APS flagship products include the YC500, a powerful dual-module microinverter, and the YC1000 true 3-phase unit, purpose-designed for commercial applications and offering an unprecedented 1:4 microinverter-to-module ratio.

Both units are now offered by National Solar Distributors through their sales website, www.nationalsolar.ca.

Vote for APS at SPW

Solar Power World Online is now sponsoring its 2015 Leadership In Solar Power awards, and well, we’d like your vote.

Cast a ballot for APS, the global leader in solar microinverter innovation, at the SPW Online site – here’s the link.

We’re committed to making tomorrow’s solar technology available today, and proud of a microinverter line that’s changing the game for microinverter applications worldwide.

Thanks for following APS, and for considering a vote for us in the SPW Leadership awards.


Solar Power<br /> World Vote

Enter to win an iPad at Intersolar, July 14-16 in SF

Meet the APS team at Intersolar North America, July 14-16 in San Francisco.

Visit us at booth no. 8732, and enter to win a free iPad. The drawing will be held during the convention, so come by and sign up for your chance to win.

While you’re there, find out how APS leads the microinverter industry in quality, reliability and value, and why more installers are switching to APS microinverters for their residential and commercial customers. To set up a meeting during the conference, email sales@apsamerica.com.

ipad-giveaway

Solar carports help Fresno country club get on the green

Broad, flat, and just as suited to soaking up sunlight as shading whatever’s underneath, carports have emerged as popular platforms for solar arrays.

You might think of them as the logical evolution of ground-mount PV systems: taller, and dual purpose.

For members of the Fort Washington Golf and Country Club in Fresno, Calif., shaded parking is a welcome side-benefit of an ambitious new solar program.

hogi-portrait-1024x597

Hogi Selling IV, Valley Unique Electric/Solar Universe president, and Fort Washington Country Club’s new solar carports in Fresno, Calif.

The club recently added six solar carports next to its driving range, the largest offering about 20,000 square feet of productive roof space.

Throw in an existing shed now covered with modules, and the new array totals 36,000 square feet –- about eight-tenths of an acre of glistening solar.

The 529kW system supports the power needs of the Fort Washington clubhouse and operations across the sprawling 18-hole layout.

“This is really forward thinking on the part of the club board,” said Dan Stockton, a retired college football coach and longtime Fort Washington member. “I hope some of the other area clubs will take a look at what we’ve done. It’s a good deal.”

The system was designed and installed by Solar Universe, the PV arm of longtime Fresno contractor Valley Unique Electrical. The company has offered electrical services and industrial-commercial construction management in the Central Valley, Bay Area, Nevada and Central Coast markets across four continuous generations dating back to 1924.

The country club first considered a simple ground-mount array, but Hogi Selling IV, Valley Unique Electrical president and six-year club member, steered the club board toward an advanced carport system through a design-build contract.

The elevated array preserves aesthetics on the picturesque course, an oasis of rolling fairways and swaying palms and eucalyptus trees in the burning San Joaquin Valley.

“The project itself is difficult, but we’re well versed in putting carports up with solar,” Selling said. “The measure of success for us is obviously leaving the end user with what we said we would provide them with, and as long as the energy bills come back annually based on our proposal, everything’s good.”

Designer Jared Paniagua chose SunEdison modules and APS YC1000 microinverters for the 3-phase system. Across the seven rooftops, 429 APS microinverters serve nearly 1,700 modules.

Paniagua also used APS 3-phase microinverters for a recent 85kW ground-mount system powering agricultural pumps at a Fresno-area dairy.

“We use APS religiously on all our commercial projects,” Paniagua said. “(The competing brand’s) trunk cable is very expensive, their splice kits get very expensive, and the one-to-one microinverter-to-module ratio drives costs up. Whereas with the YC1000 and its 1:4 ratio, that’s a real advantage.”

The Fort Washington Country Club solar carport project used APsystems YC1000 3-phase microinverters. The 529 kW system used 429 APsystems microinverters to serve 1,760 SunEdison 320W modules.

The Fort Washington Country Club solar carport project used APS YC1000 3-phase microinverters. The 529 kW system used 429 APS microinverters to serve 1,760 SunEdison 320W modules.

The Fort Washington project reflects a strong market for commercial and carport installations in the Fresno area.

Value Unique Electric/Solar Universe offers solar carports as an integrated package, and Paniagua has designed installations ranging in scale from 25kW to 2 megawatts.

“It’s easier to install on something designed for the extra weight and size of the PV system than to retrofit,” he said. “The designs vary based on the engineer and contractor erecting the structure. It’s a fairly simple process and one that works well for us.”

 

 It’s all in the swing

Founded in 1923, Fort Washington Golf and Country Club is the oldest private course in the Fresno area.

Membership is currently topped out at the club capacity of 425, “with more people kicking to get in,” said Larry Wapner, club president and 30-year member.

The club has produced top-flight golfers familiar to any follower of the professional circuit. Fred Couples and Mark O’Meara both earned their tour cards on the course, renowned for its challenging hilly layout.

“You wouldn’t think we’d have hills in Fresno, but there are a lot of hills back there,” said Bob Fries, a club member since 1969 who, at age 85, is still considered to have the best swing among a group of retired Fresno City College athletics coaches who frequent the course.

On a recent morning, unfazed by the clatter of carport construction over his shoulder, Fries launched one ball after another down the range, each shot straight and true.

“It doesn’t take muscle,” Fries said, smiling, as his buddies looked on with respect. “I haven’t got any muscle left.”

Adding solar to the popular course had been in discussion for about three years, Wapner said, before Valley Unique Electric/Solar Universe produced the winning design and bid.

The issue was decided by a vote of the club membership, who would have to assess themselves to cover the cost. Support was overwhelming.

Dan Stockton, Len Bourdet and Bob Fries, all longtime Fort Washington Country Club members, meet at the driving range several times a week. The club’s new solar carports (in the background) offer shaded parking while generating power for the club.

Dan Stockton, Len Bourdet and Bob Fries, all longtime Fort Washington Country Club members, meet at the driving range several times a week. The club’s new solar carports (in the background) offer shaded parking while generating power for the club.

“It’s just a big plus,” Wapner said, looking ahead to the dramatic savings in energy costs projected by designer/installer Valley Unique Electric. “In six to 10 years, it’s going to put us in great financial shape, and that’s why we did it. It’s for the future.”

As a bonus, more than 80 parking spaces are now shaded from the punishing valley sun. Club members previously dueled over the handful of spaces shaded by trees, but then had to contend with pitch and debris on their vehicles.

Now they duel for the coveted carport spots.

“If you take a look at the parking we have today, the available spots are all in the sun,” Wapner said. “We expected that. The good thing is we were able to afford to build a (solar) structure that works as a carport. Now we’ve definitely got shade from the sun and exposure to weather.”

Project: Fort Washington Country Club
Location: Fresno, Calif.
Designer/installer: Valley Unique Electric/Solar Universe
Modules: SunEdison 320W
No. of modules: 1,760
Microinverters: APS YC1000 true 3-phase
No. of microinverters: 429
System capacity: 529 kW

Information: www.valleyunique.com, www.fortwashingtoncc.org

Midwest distributor AFP Power to carry APS solar microinverter line

apsystems-AFPAFP Power solar distributors will carry the APS microinverter line exclusively, in a new partnership between the companies.

St. Louis, Mo.-based AFP (American Family Place) Power was founded in 2013 with a mission of supplying quality solar products sourced from Tier 1 (greater than 300MW) supply chains from the USA, China, Germany, Japan and Taiwan.

The company offers a variety of high-quality solar product and integrated solutions, for applications ranging from rooftop to off-grid and marine use.

Complete installation kits featuring APS microinverter products will be offered through the company’s distribution website, www.afp-power.com.

“Our customers will be impressed by the value APS microinverters offer versus other brands,” said Willis He, AFP Power president. “The price per watt is significantly lower, as are balance of system costs. And with their remarkable ease of installation, APS offers a truly ‘plug and power’ solution.”

AFP Power founder He is well known throughout the U.S. and international solar industry. He previously served as CEO of China Sunenergy’s North American operations, and is a former Solar Energy Industries Association board member. He has also held an executive post with MEMC/SunEdison.

Thomas Nelson, APS USA Vice President of Sales, welcomed AFP Power to the APS microinverter distribution network.

“AFP Power is in the vanguard among outstanding low-cost solar distributors,” Nelson said. “Like APS, they’re driven by a commitment to a greener world and making solar technology available to consumers across the spectrum.”

APS flagship products include the YC500, a powerful dual-module microinverter, and the YC1000 true 3-phase unit, purpose-designed for commercial applications and offering an unprecedented 1:4 microinverter-to-module ratio.

APS was founded in Silicon Valley in 2009, and is now a global leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of microinverters based on their own proven, leading-edge solar technology. APS USA, representing APS in the U.S. market, is based in Seattle.

APS ranked No. 2 in global market share among top microinverter suppliers by shipment in 2013 (source: GTM Research).

For information on AFP Power solar distribution and services, see www.afp-power.com.

For information on APS microinverter products, see www.usa.apsystems.com.

A+ Rewards rebates EXTENDED through June

Our A+ Rewards installer rebate program has proved so popular, we’re extending the rebate period through the end of June. That gives participating installers an extra month to earn cash back for purchasing APS microinverters.

That’s right – every APS YC500 microinverter you purchase from a qualifying distributor through June 30, 2015, will earn you $10 back from APS. Show proof of purchase through the rebate website, and APS will send you a Visa® Gift Card with $10 value added for every microinverter purchased during the period. Full terms and conditions of the rebate program are available at www.aplus-rewards.com

If you’re not currently part of A+ Rewards, find out about our next rebate promotion by emailing aplus@apsamerica.com.

APSYSTEMS-solarpro-banner970x250-March

Gigawatt joins APS microinverter distribution network

apsystems-gigawattLeading solar provider Gigawatt will distribute the APS line of advanced microinverter products, in a first-time partnership between the two companies.

Placentia, Calif.-based Gigawatt is a full-service solar provider offering PV system design, financing and installation for residential and commercial customers.

The company distributes solar products through its www.GoGreenSolar.com website.

Deep Patel, Gigawatt CEO, hailed the agreement that brings the APS microinverter line to Gigawatt’s portfolio of top-quality solar offerings.

“APS has emerged from the solar pack with forward-thinking and popular microinverter products,” Patel said. “Their line is an excellent addition to our distribution channel. Our customers will find them reliable and easy to work with.”

Since its inception in 2006, Gigawatt has served customers worldwide including the U.S. Department of Defense, the Federal Aviation Administration, the United States Marine Corps., and the City of Los Angeles.

The company has also introduced its own line of innovative solar products, including the SunJack portable solar charger; the SunPole distributed solar power plant; and the SunShelter grid-tied solar bus kiosk, among others.

Thomas Nelson, APS USA Vice President of Sales, said the two companies are driven by the same goals and values in the solar marketplace.

“Gigawatt shares our commitment to technology innovation,” Nelson said. “Like APS, they’re bringing new and groundbreaking solar products to market in an array of applications and competitive price points. We’re glad to partner with them on distribution and service.”

APs flagship products include the YC500, a powerful dual-module microinverter, and the YC1000 true 3-phase unit, purpose-designed for commercial applications and offering an unprecedented 1:4 microinverter-to-module ratio to significantly lower BOS costs.

Both units will be offered by Gigawatt through its distribution network.

APS was founded in Silicon Valley in 2009, and is now a global leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of microinverters based on their own proven, leading-edge solar technology. APS USA, representing APS in the U.S. market, is based in Seattle.

APS ranked No. 2 in global market share among top microinverter suppliers by shipment in 2013 (source: GTM Research).

For information on Gigawatt solar distribution and services, see www.GoGreenSolar.com and www.gigawattinc.com.

For information on APS microinverter products, see www.usa.apsystems.com.