APS Residential Project of the Year AWARD WINNER: RR Lane Solar Distributing, Bauer installation, Los Molinos, Calif.

/in , , /by

Designing a PV system to meet both residential and agricultural needs required a microinverter solution with flexibility and power.

The challenge was compounded by the distance between the solar array and the monitoring devices in the home. Only a system with robust wireless capabilities would suffice.

When other microinverter systems failed, a resourceful installer contacted Rich Varlinsky, owner of Chico, Calif.-based RR Lane Solar Distributing, to see if a solution could be engineered. Rich proposed the APS microinverter solution to complete the Bauer PV system in Los Molinos, Calif.

For their creative application of APS microinverter technology in this demanding setting, RR Lane Solar Distributing has earned the APS Project of the Year Award for residential applications.

“RR Lane Solar really put our microinverters and monitoring solutions to the test, and they succeeded where competitors just couldn’t get the job done,” said Paul Barlock, APS Senior Vice President. “One of the hallmarks of APS technology is its flexibility and functionality in all environments, and RR Lane proved it.”

rrlane_bauer_array

The Bauer system includes three dozen 255-watt modules in a ground-mount array, to serve both the residence and a 3-phase (delta-wye) agricultural pump system. The system was designed with microinverters from a name brand, but once completed could not be made to function.

There were several challenges to overcome. The agricultural pump required the output from 10 modules, but the name-brand microinverters would not support the delta-wye power system without additional transformers – an expensive add-on that the customer did not want to pay for.

The second problem involved wireless communication and monitoring. The array was located 300 feet from the household’s internet source, and the signal had to travel through four walls of the residence. The existing wireless hotspot only had a range of about 40 feet and needed to monitor two communication units at intermittent intervals, as it would not be on continuously.

After a month of fruitless troubleshooting, the installer turned to APS YC500 microinverters for power and the APS Energy Communication Unit for monitoring.

The YC500 microinverters did not require additional transformers to support the delta-wye configuration, and once the APS units were installed, the system performed flawlessly.

The wireless communication challenges were resolved with two inexpensive routers – one for the residence, and one mounted alongside the array and the APS ECU at the agricultural pump site. The second router was redesigned to extend its range and bandwidth, and to negate line-of-sight issues.

This new configuration easily covered the 300-foot distance from the array to the home, and transmitted module performance data even through the stucco walls.

“To our knowledge, this is the first time this particular router, the ECU and a hotspot have been used for a solar array. The design was challenging due to the distance and other factors, but was ultimately successful,” Varlinsky said. “The customer was very pleased, as his cost did not increase and he could monitor the system using his hotspot.”

Varlinsky said the APS solution provided many advantages over the competition. The most important was the microinverters’ ability to function in a delta-wye system without transformers, bringing significant savings and simplifying the installation.

Also, the APS ECU could be programmed with inverter serial numbers and did not depend on line communication for identification. The changes made to the router increased its transmit power and diminished data packet loss. The routers were programmed to constantly check for the hotspot and connect automatically when it was activated.

“The use of APS products saved the customer several thousand dollars in this installation, and gave them flawless ECU communication even with a consumer-grade hotspot,” Varlinsky said.

For information on the RR Lane Solar Distributing, email rich@rrlanesolar.us.

APS, Krannich Solar announce distribution partnership

/in , /by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 29, 2015

Industry-leading PV distributor Krannich Solar will offer APS microinverter products through its domestic channels, under a first-time agreement between the two companies.apsystems-krannichKrannich Solar USA maintains sales operations on both coasts, in New Jersey and California, and serves customers throughout the country.

“We pride ourselves on carrying the very best in PV products, and APS certainly fits that bill,” said Juan Romera-Wade, Krannich CEO. “Our customers will appreciate the advanced technology that APS has brought to the solar market.”

Krannich Solar, founded by Kurt Krannich as a family business in 1995, has quickly become one of the world’s largest solar wholesalers and system design houses, designing high-performance PV arrays while supporting both trades people and major energy utilities. Krannich Solar Inc. is now the U.S. office of the international Krannich Solar Group, founded in 2005.

The company recently expanded its Latin America operations with a new sales office in Mexico City.

The installed capacity supplied by the Krannich Group topped 1,600 megawatts worldwide in 2014.

Paul Barlock, APS senior vice president of U.S. operations, welcomed the agreement with a distributor of Krannich Solar’s stature, saying the companies share a strong culture of customer service.

“Krannich is a national top-tier solar supplier, and very exclusive in their offerings,” Barlock said. “When they carry your brand, it says your product line has arrived. Krannich will help us make 2015 another year of rapid growth.”

APS’ flagship product, the groundbreaking YC500 microinverter, handles two PV modules independently and can be configured to support any grid standard anywhere in the world. The YC1000,  the world’s first true 3-phase, four-module microinverter, recently entered the U.S. market after a highly successful rollout overseas.

Western Nevada Supply adds APS microinverter line

/in , /by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 8, 2014

apsystems-WNS

SEATTLE — Regionally renowned equipment distributor Western Nevada Supply has added the APS microinverter line to its solar product offerings.

Known as “the Blue Team,” Western Nevada marked 50 years of local family ownership in 2014, and serves customers throughout the Nevada and California markets with an extensive line of solar, HVAC, irrigation, plumbing and industrial supplies.

“We’ve added the APS microinverter line to our solar offerings to expand our already strong lineup of solar products, and to offer our customers microinverter options in our northern Nevada and Eastern Sierra markets,” said Russ Cartwright, Solar Sales team member for Western Nevada.

Paul Barlock, APS America senior vice president, said the industry-leading APS microinverter brand is proud to be distributed by a company with such a strong history of family ownership and business success.

“Western Nevada is a great company and a great partner for APS,” Barlock said. “Given their geographic coverage, offering APS microinverters will give them a distinct competitive advantage in the Nevada solar market.”

Founded by Jack Reviglio and Bill Higgin, Western Nevada Supply opened shop in a rented 1,200 square-foot warehouse in Sparks, Nev., in 1964. From a modest beginning as a wholesale plumbing house, the business quickly grew, and in 1967 Jack’s brother, Tom Reviglio, joined the firm as marketer.

The company soon expanded with the addition of a waterworks sales department and relocated to a 7,000 square-foot facility. In 1973, strong growth again prompted a move, this time to a 10-acre site, which now has expanded to 20 acres with 40,000 square feet of inventory under one roof.

Today, a second generation of Reviglios run the family business. To better serve outlying areas, the company has opened branches in Elko, Carson City, and Winnemucca, Nev., and South Lake Tahoe, Bishop, Susanville and Truckee, Calif.

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 proprietary, leading-edge solar technology. APS America, representing APS in the US market, is based near Seattle.

Recent major distribution deals have brought the APS line to the American Southwest, central California, mountain and mid-Atlantic solar markets.

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

For more information on Western Nevada Supply, see www.goblueteam.com.
Information on APS microinverter products can be found at www.usa.apsystems.com.

APS microinverters now offered by Albasolar, top-tier U.S and international wholesale distributor

/in , /by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

apsystems-alba-solar

November 13, 2014

SEATTLE — Leading international distributor Albasolar has added APS microinverters to their select PV product line.

The APS YC500 microinverter and related products are now available through Albasolar in the U.S., Spain and Portugal markets. Introduction of APS equipment to other European and Latin American solar markets through Albasolar channels will follow.

“APS is emerging as a dominant player in the microinverter space both here in the U.S. and abroad,” said Thomas Nelson, APS Vice President for Sales. “Albasolar’s multi-country presence gives us another key partner in the U.S., while this same channel allows us to expand internationally.”

Albasolar was founded in Europe in 1993. Always loyal to a pure wholesale distribution model, the company has supplied thousands of PV installations in Europe and North and South America.

The company’s industry experience means it can offer superior logistics and create strategic agreements with the industry’s leading manufacturers like APS. This allows Albasolar to offer best-in-class products at excellent prices.

“The microinverter is still a young product compared to string inverters, and APS has come to play a good role in the growth of this market,” said Alberto Medrano, CEO of Albasolar. “APS, with its 500-wattoutput model, will be a leader in this category.”

Albasolar’s U.S. operations are headquartered in Boston, Mass., and the company maintains additional offices and wholesale distribution centers in California, Florida, and across Europe.

APS product design positions the line for success in a growing number of international markets like those served by Albasolar.
APS microinverters’ unique chip-based architecture allows each unit to be easily programmed to accommodate the various grid voltages found in different regional markets – a flexibility built into each APS unit and unmatched by other microinverter products.

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 proprietary, leading-edge solar technology. APS USA, representing APS in the US market, is based near Seattle.

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

For information on Albasolar, see www.albasolar.com
Information on APS microinverter products can be found at www.usa.apsystems.com.

Advance Green Power now offering APS microinverters in Mexico market

/in , /by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

logo AGP

November 11, 2014

Mexico City-based Advance Green Power is bringing APS microinverter technology to the fast-developing Mexico market.

The company will offer APS products as part of its comprehensive line of residential and commercial PV solutions.

Advance Green Power’s mission is to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases while raising awareness of the ecological and economic benefits of sustainable energy, helping individuals and organizations adopt these new technologies to positively impact the environment.

“We are always looking for cutting edge technology in order to offer the best solutions,” said Oscar Jiménez Velázquez, Advance Green Power director general. “Our technology partners in the United States like APS always provide us with the best quality products.”

The agreement comes as APS rapidly expands its presence in new regional markets around the globe. Already the market leader in China and Australia and with a rapidly growing presence in the U.S., APS now offers its advanced microinverter products to customers in Latin America and Europe.

Thomas Nelson, APS vice president of sales, noted that Latin America is a fast-growing region for the solar market.

“Mexico has tremendous potential for clean-energy development, and it’s a natural fit for our microinverter technology,” Nelson said. “We’re pleased to bring our PV solutions to consumers there.”

APS microinverters’ unique chip-based architecture allows each unit to be specially programmed to accommodate the various grid voltages found in different regional markets – a flexibility built into each APS unit and unmatched by other microinverter products.

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 proprietary, leading-edge solar technology. APS USA, representing APS in the US market, is based near Seattle.

APS ranked No. 2 in global market share among leading microinverter suppliers by shipments in 2013 (source: GTM Research).
For information on Advance Green Power, see www.adgreenpower.com

Information on APS microinverter products can be found at www.usa.apsystems.com.

APS microinverters to be distributed by US Solar/CFM Equipment

/in , /by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 4, 2014

SEATTLE —APs microinverters join the product offerings of US Solar Distributing and CFM Equipment Distributors in a new agreement between the companies.

Sacamento-based CFM is a top distributor of HVAC systems, with locations in Northern California and Nevada, and also offers solar products through those channels. Its subsidiary US Solar deals exclusively in photovoltaics, and works directly with independent solar contractors through locations in California, Hawaii and New Jersey.

apsystems-USsolarThomas Nelson, APs vice president for sales, said the agreement strengthens APS’ position in key markets and adds two knowledgeable partners to the growing distribution channel.

“US Solar Distributing and CFM Equipment are a well-respected presence in the national PV market, and we’re proud to partner with them,” Nelson said.

CFM Equipment Distributors was founded more than 30 years ago and later spun off US Solar as an independent division, with a goal of providing professional contractors with a “one-stop” supply resource.

The companies offer complete lines of photovoltaic equipment, along with design and engineering services, professional training, and same- or next-day shipping throughout North America.

apsystems-cfmAPs 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 proprietary, leading-edge solar technology. APS USA, representing APS in the US market, is based near Seattle, Washington.

Recent major distribution deals have brought the APS product line to the American Southwest, central California, mountain and mid-Atlantic solar markets.

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

For more information on US Solar and CFM Equipment Distributors,
see www.ussolardistributing.com or www.cfmequipment.com.

Information on APS microinverter products can be found at www.usa.apsystems.com.

APS, Upsolar team up to offer complete financing and technology package for residential customers

/in , /by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 27, 2014

SEATTLE —Global solar technology leaders APS and Upsolar are teaming up to offer a turnkey solar financing and installation package for residential customers.

The partnership unites high-quality PV modules from Upsolar and advanced microinverter technology from APS to maximize system output and accelerate homeowners’ return on investment.

The package is aimed at homeowners who want to capitalize on the many benefits of solar energy without the commitment of a long-term lease. Upsolar’s 20-year Energy Freedom Loan delivers the advantages of system ownership while overcoming the primary barrier to adoption – high upfront cost.

“As more and more homeowners elect to own their own PV systems, instead of locking into a long-term lease, now is the right time to offer an integrated technology and financing solution,” said Stephane Dufrenne, president of Upsolar America. “With APS America and our third-party financing, we are taking an important step towards simplifying and lowering costs of system ownership for residential customers.”

apsystems-UPsolarMichael Ludgate, vice president of business development for APS America, hailed the partnership as an outstanding fit between two emergent and complementary forces in the global solar market.

“Upsolar picked APS to partner with because of our unique microinverter solution, both in technology and cost,” Ludgate said. “The fact that this program allows anyone to own a solar system is a great option for any homeowner.”

The partnership reflects a recent trend in residential solar away from the leasing of solar equipment, in favor of loan options and direct ownership of PV systems. The trend is driven by the declining costs of solar components, including PV modules and inverters, bringing solar investment within reach for homeowners at all levels.

The integrated APS-Upsolar package also allows homeowners to take advantage of strong tax incentives offered by the federal government and many states for solar investment.

Since its founding in 2006, Upsolar has established itself as a leading international developer and producer of high-quality solar photovoltaic modules at competitive prices. The company’s expert team is deeply entrenched in both established and emerging PV markets to accelerate global solar energy adoption, with offices in Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas.

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 proprietary, leading-edge solar technology. APS USA, representing APS in the US market, is based near Seattle. APS

ranked No. 2 in global market share among leading microinverter suppliers by shipments in 2013 (source: GTM Research).

For information, see www.upsolar.com or www.usa.apsystems.com.

APS microinverters featured in PV solutions by Next Generation Energy

/in , /by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 15, 2014

SEATTLE —APS microinverters are now featured in pre-engineered kits and custom solar solutions by Next Generation Energy.

apsystems-ngeNGE is using the YC500 microinverter, APS’ flagship unit, in its own proprietary PV systems. Offering 500 watts maximum output at 95.5 percent peak efficiency, the APS units are ideal for the integrated solar products marketed by NGE.

The NGE integrated PV Solution Kits also include top-tier PV modules and fully flashed racking by Zilla.

NGE chose APS microinverters from among other brands for their leading-edge technology that handles two PV modules per unit with dual performance tracking and optimized power output.

“We are constantly seeking out new and innovative ways to extract the highest levels of power yield from the PV cells in our ready-to-go solar module systems,” said Bill Beedon, marketing and business development manager for NGE. “APS is leading the industry in solar microinverter innovations. Its revolutionary approach of individualized, maximized microinverters paired with its quality products and ease of installation is what separates it from the crowd.”

NGE will feature APS Microinverter products at its SPI booth no. 2052, Oct. 21-23 in Las Vegas.

nge-productThe strategic partnership with NGE is the latest in which APS’ microinverter technology is being integrated with proprietary solar solutions by leading manufacturers.

“APS offers the most advanced microinverter technology on the market, so no surprise it’s finding its way into more integrated solutions,” said Paul Barlock, APS senior vice president. “We’re pleased to partner with solar leaders like NGE to bring this technology to market in new and more creative applications.”

NGE also distributes APS microinverter products as standalone units for grid-tied and off-grid residential and commercial solar applications.
Lafayette, Colorado-based NGE was founded thirty years ago to create simple, globally applicable solutions for capturing and using the free energy of the sun. The company’s pre-engineered and custom-engineered solar solutions are simple, tightly integrated, and easy to use, even for the most complex solar installations.

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 proprietary, leading-edge solar technology. APS America, representing APS in the US market, is based near Seattle.

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

For more information on NGE integrated solar solutions, see www.ngeus.com.

Information on APS microinverter products can be found at www.usa.apsystems.com.

Clean Energy Distribution to offer APS microinverter line in Colorado market

/in , /by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 6, 2014

SEATTLE — APS microinverters have entered the Colorado and greater mountain regional market through a new partnership with Denver-based Clean Energy Distribution.

It marks the latest in a series of pacts with leading distributors for APS this year, bringing the company’s line of advanced microinverter products to solar consumers throughout the American market.

apsystems-cleanenergyColorado is renowned as one of the nation’s most progressive states for solar, with an array of voter-approved, state and local incentives and benchmarks in place to promote alternative energy production. The state ranks third nationwide in terms of installed PV production capacity, with consumer interest and investment in solar at an all-time high.

“Colorado residents are fiercely protective of their environment, and their dedication to solar is a source of pride,” said Michael Ludgate, vice president of business development for APS America. “Being welcomed into this forward-thinking market by a top-line distributor like Clean Energy is another great endorsement for our solar line. Clean Energy put us through real market tests, and we came out on top.”

Jesse Stubbs, CEO for Clean Energy Distribution, said his company was drawn to APS microinverter products for their reputation for innovation, capability and technical support.

“APS offers the most advanced microinverters on the market today, so adding them to our product offerings is a natural,” Stubbs said. “Our installers and end customers will be impressed by the power and reliability the APS solution brings to their solar systems.”

Clean Energy Distribution is a master supplier of solar products in the Colorado market and shipping worldwide. The company has professional talent in solar distributing, large manufacturing companies and solar integration, to provide the best alternative-energy distributing site in America.

Clean Energy Distribution strives to provide customers with excellent service by having live representatives ready to offer support at all times, as well as an online chat through its website for customers’ convenience.

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 proprietary, leading-edge solar technology. APS America, representing APS in the US market, is based near Seattle, Washington.

Recent major distribution deals have brought the APS product line to the Southwest, central California and Eastern Seaboard markets, among others.

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

For more information on Clean Energy Distribution, see www.cleanenergydistribution.com.
Information on APS microinverter products can be found at www.usa.apsystems.com.

APS now shipping new YC1000 microinverter, a groundbreaking 277/480, 3-phase unit for large-scale commercial applications

/in , /by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 30, 2014

APSYSTEMS-inverterSEATTLE — APS, a global leader in solar microinverter technology, will showcase its new YC1000 microinverter for the domestic market at Solar Power International, Oct. 20-23 in Las Vegas.

The YC1000 is the industry’s first true 3-phase solar microinverter, handling 277/480 grid voltages with 900 watts maximum output, ZigBee communication and an integrated ground.

Up to 11 units (44 modules total, 60- or 72-cell) can be linked in a single 15A circuit.

The groundbreaking unit is offered at a price point competitive with conventional “string” inverters, and is now available through the APS network of distributors and installers. Contact sales@apsamerica.com for information.

“The YC1000 is an innovative technology leap,” said Paul Barlock, APS USA senior vice president. “With native 3-phase capability in a microinverter package, large-scale commercial customers now have a significantly better solution for distributed rooftop solar. The YC1000 is a game changer.”

Handling up to four PV modules per unit, the YC1000 microinverter offers 3-phase AC distribution designed to meet demanding commercial applications.

Its proprietary, chip-based architecture was conceived and designed in the USA by APS engineers. Domestic rollout follows rigorous, successful testing in large solar installations overseas.

APS will showcase the YC1000 at booth no. 3124 at the SPI conference. Email sales@apsamerica.com to see the YC1000 microinverter firsthand and discuss specific project or distribution opportunities during the event.

The YC1000 enters the APSmicroinverter line alongside the highly successful YC500, a two-module, dual-MPPT unit for residential applications and the company’s flagship product.

All APS microinverters are designed for integration with the APS Monitor to provide real-time data viewing, or the APS Communicator (performance data module) to offer comprehensive solar array performance monitoring from any web-enabled device.

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 proprietary, leading-edge solar technology. APS America, representing APS in the US market, is based near Seattle.

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

For information on the YC1000 or other exclusive solar microinverter products, contact sales@apsamerica.com or 206-855-5100.