APS USA names Thomas Nelson new Vice President for Sales

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September 5, 2014

SEATTLE — APS America, a global leader in solar microinverter technology, has hired Thomas Nelson as vice president for sales. He will also work with technical services and international support as collateral duties.

“Thomas brings to APS a depth of industry knowledge and technical expertise, and a long history in the power electronics marketplace,” said Paul Barlock, APS America senior vice president. “His addition to the senior sales staff will be a great asset to the growth of APS’ share in the solar microinverter market.”

thomas_nelsonNelson comes to APS with over seven years in the solar industry. He most recently served as senior director of strategic accounts with UK microinverter firm Enecys, where he oversaw distribution and sales for North, Central and South America and Australia. He has also held sales directorships with SolarBridge, Uni-Solar and Ningbo Solar. His expertise includes solar microinverters and PV modules, utility grid equipment and wireless communication.

He previously worked in the telecommunications industry, including management positions with American Power Conversion, Qualcomm and Verizon Wireless.

Nelson holds an MBA (international business) from Kennedy Western University and a BSAA (industrial management and technology) from Texas State University.

“The adoption of microinverters for use in residential and commercial solar installations is strong and APS is well positioned to become a global dominant force in this space.” Nelson said of APS. “Our current and next generation product offerings are in line to what the market is asking for today by providing an advanced technical solution at a lower LCOE.”

APS has been on an aggressive growth curve in 2014, completing significant distribution deals with leading suppliers in California, the Mountain States region, and the mid-Atlantic market. The company is poised to introduce the YC1000, the world’s first 3-phase, 4-panel microinverter for large commercial applications.
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.

The APS microinverter solution combines highly efficient power inversion with a user-friendly monitoring interface for reliable, intelligent energy. The proprietary system architecture increases solar harvest and ensures maximum output for solar arrays, and the company continues to develop new technologies and products for the marketplace.

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

APS microinverters to be distributed by Empire Clean Energy Supply in the greater New York market

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August 14, 2014

SEATTLE — APS microinverters will be distributed by Empire Clean Energy Supply, in a first-time partnership between the two companies.

apsystems-ecesThe agreement establishes APS microinverter products in the Mid-Atlantic metropolitan market, where Empire is a major distributor of renewable energy products.

Empire will carry the full line of APS microinverter products, including the flagship YC500, an industry-leading microinverter that handles two PV modules per unit with dual performance tracking and optimized power output.

“As a full-service supplier of photovoltaics, we strive to outfit our installers with the top technology and most reliable products available,” said Bill Feldmann, chief operating officer for Empire Clean Energy Supply. “We’re impressed by APS products, service and support, and we’re glad to offer them in this market.”

APS has been on an aggressive growth curve in 2014, and the agreement with Empire solidifies the brand’s presence on the Eastern Seaboard.

“Empire has really broken ground advancing in the New York market,” said Michael Ludgate, APS vice president for business development. “We’re very pleased to have a company of their stature embrace our product line. It’s another great endorsement for APS microinverters.”

ECES began as a division of Empire Electric, Co. based out of Brooklyn, N.Y., in 2003. An electrical supply house known throughout the industry, Empire decided it was time to join the renewable energy field, and the venture quickly gained momentum and earned a national clientele.

In 2005 ECES moved to its current location in Bohemia, N.Y., on Long Island. ECES later branched away from its parent outfit, becoming a partner company. The partnership of an electrical supply house gave ECES the ability to bring in all necessary electrical components utilized in a solar array, in addition to the main structural components.

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.

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

For more information on Empire Clean Energy Supply, see www.empirecleanenergy.com.

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

Bland Solar & Air to install APS microinverters in California’s Central Valley region

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July 22, 2014

apsystems-blandSEATTLE — Leading California solar distributor Bland Solar & Air will carry APS microinverters, under a new strategic partnership between the two companies.

The agreement introduces APS microinverter products to customers in California’s Central Valley, a dynamic market where solar adoption far outpaces other metropolitan areas nationwide.

In adding the APS microinverter line to their array of solar products, Bland Solar will now be primarily selling the APS microinverter and adopting the APS product as their “go to” microinverter.

“We are choosing APS as our microinverter because they are second to none in their functionality, efficiency and durability,” said Ty Simpson, Director of Sales for Bland Solar & Air. “Their production specifications are becoming the benchmark of what a microinverter should be able to do and produce.”

Higher power handling and output allows APS microinverters to be paired with PV modules up to 310 watts, with a single unit handling two modules — another bonus for system designers and end customers, he said.

Simpson also praised the APS technical support team for its “uncanny” response time, and cited the company’s ability to fulfill product orders faster than other manufacturers.

Michael Ludgate, vice president for APS America, hailed the agreement and praised Bland’s leadership among California solar distributors and installers.

“For the past seven years, Bland Solar had been exclusively using the industry leading microinverter brand, and their switch to APS is a strong endorsement,” Ludgate said. “Bland Solar has a proven reputation for excellent customer service and providing significant value to their customers. We’re pleased to partner with Bland in a community where solar power has been so widely and enthusiastically embraced by consumers.”

Fresno ranks No. 1 among US metropolitan areas in solar capacity installed per capita, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratories’ Open PV Project.

Bland Solar & Air has served California’s Central Valley area, including Fresno and Bakersfield, with HVAC and solar electric services since 1985. Sister company CalCom Solar serves agricultural and commercial clients throughout Central California.

Bland Solar services include system design, installation and maintenance, zero-down financing, and PV system training for aspiring solar industry professionals.

APS was founded in the 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.

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

Information on Bland Solar & Air can be found at www.blandsolar.com

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

APS microinverters to be distributed by Utilities Supply Corp. in Florida, Caribbean markets

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May 22, 2014

SEATTLE — APS microinverter products will be distributed by Miami-based Utilities Supply Corp., under a first-time agreement between the two companies.

The partnership establishes APS microinverter products in the Florida and Caribbean markets, following recent distribution deals in Nevada and California.

“By working with Utilities Supply Corp., APS enters the Caribbean market with products that meet the challenging environmental conditions there,” said Paul Barlock, Senior Vice President for APS America. “The innovative and highly reliable APS products are a great fit for Utilities Supply and its customers.”

UnknownUtilities Supply Corp. executives praised the unique, chip-based architecture of APS microinverters that allows each unit to be easily programmed to suit any power grid profile. The Caribbean island grid includes a number of different technical standards, including British, Dutch, German, French and American, making inverter compatibility a key challenge for solar installers. Because they meet these varied technical demands, Utilities Supply will use and distribute APS microinverters exclusively.

“With APS we can program inverter to grid spec, not grid to inverter,” said Mario Fajardo, managing member for Utilities Supply Corp. “That’s a huge advantage.”

Utilities Supply has already deployed APS microinverters in two solar installations on the island of Aruba in the Dutch Antilles, including one for N.V. Elmar, the island’s electrical provider. Five more APS-based installations are underway, three at a large hotel chain. Distribution of APS microinverter products is also beginning in Jamaica.

“APS has the pulse of the market,” Fajardo said. “They bring stable, consistent products with pricing that helps distributors and end users meet their goal to transition to renewable energy, with realistic and affordable options. Also, the APS support team is awesome.”

APS was founded in Silicon Valley in 2009 and is now a global leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of solar microinverters based on their own leading-edge technology. Based near Seattle, APS America supplies and services APS products in North America.

The APS solar solution, which includes the APS Energy Communication Unit and APS web-based Monitor, combines highly efficient power inversion with a user-friendly monitoring interface to provide reliable, intelligent solar energy for residential and commercial applications.

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

For information on APS solar microinverter projects, see www.usa.apsystems.com or email sales@apsamerica.com.

For information on Utilities Supply Corp., see www.utilitiesupply.com, email sales@yourstore.com, or call (305) 600-0426.

APS Microinverters to be distributed by Sol-Up in Nevada market

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May 6, 2014

SEATTLE — APS microinverters will be distributed by Las Vegas-based Sol-Up USA, under a first-time agreement between the two companies.

The partnership establishes APS microinverter products in the Nevada market with one of the area’s top solar distributors and installers.

“We’re very proud to be partnering with a company of Sol-Up’s stature,” said Paul Barlock, Senior Vice President of APS America. “Their performance in the Nevada market speaks to their expertise and customer service.”

Sol-Up executives cited the leading-edge technology offered by APS microinverters in adding the APS line to their product portfolio.

logo-main-solup1“APS is the only microinverter on the market for 300-watt panels with a 25-year warranty,” said Frank Rieger, CEO of Sol-Up USA. “Being twin inverters, APS microinverters are less costly because only one inverter is needed for every two panels. APS is the world’s leading brand for microinverters, and we’re very happy with the product.”

Sol-Up has nearly 20 solar installations using APS microinverters already completed or in development.

Sol-Up was founded in 2009 with a goal of making Las Vegas “the solar capital of the world.” Founder Frank Rieger brought more than 20 years of executive and solar engineering experience in Germany, a global leader in solar capacity, to the venture.

Sol-Up offers an on-site Suntastic showroom and warehouse to show its products to customers, and will celebrate the grand opening of a new Las Vegas location on May 9.

APS ranked No. 2 in global market share among top microinverter suppliers by shipments in 2013 (Source: GTM Research). Based near Seattle, APS America supplies and services APS products in North America. APS was founded in Silicon Valley in 2009 and is now a global leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of solar microinverters based on their own leading-edge technology.

The APS solar solution, which includes the APS Energy Communication Unit and APS web-based Monitor, combines highly efficient power inversion with a user-friendly monitoring interface to provide reliable, intelligent energy for residential and commercial applications.

For information on APS solar microinverter projects, see www.usa.apsystems.com or email sales@apsamerica.com

For information on Sol-Up, see www.solup.com, email info@solup.com, or call (702) 586-9800.

APS microinverters to be distributed by Fortune Energy

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March 3, 2014

SEATTLE — APS America and Fortune Energy have reached a first-time agreement by which the California-based Fortune will distribute APS microinverter products in the US.

Fortune Energy will add APS to their current Top-Tier portfolio of wholesale solar modules, inverters and racking supplies, effective immediately.

Fortune-Energylogo“We are pleased to form this partnership with Fortune Energy,” said Paul Barlock, Senior VP of APS America. “APS is pushing the microinverter market in new and innovative directions, as our products offer more power-handling capability at a lower price point.”

Fortune Energy executives also hailed the agreement.

“Fortune Energy is excited to bring APS to our installers and homeowners because of the reliability of the product plus the great price and warranty. The people at APS really stand behind their products, which is great for our customers,” said Jack Meng, President of Fortune Energy.

“Fortune Energy is excited to bring APS to our installers and homeowners because of the reliability of the product plus the great price and warranty. The people at APS really stand behind their products, which is great for our customers.” – Jack Meng, President, Fortune Energy

Added Karen Hale, Sales Manager at Fortune Energy, “We are excited to add a quality brand, at the best value, to our portfolio.”

APS ranked No. 2 in global market share among top microinverter suppliers by shipments in 2013 (Source: GTM Research). Based near Seattle, APS America supplies and services APS products in North America. APS was founded in Silicon Valley in 2009 and is now a global leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of solar microinverters based on their own leading-edge technology.

The APS solar solution, which includes the APS Energy Communication Unit and APS web-based Monitor, combines highly efficient power inversion with a user-friendly monitoring interface to provide reliable, intelligent energy for residential and commercial applications.

Fortune Energy, with locations in Sacramento, Los Angeles and Hawaii, was created in 2009 to bring quality wholesale solar/PV products directly to solar industry professionals. Their services are designed to fit the needs of solar contractors seeking to lower their customers’ energy costs, improve their wattage efficiency and provide support. Fortune energy will distribute APS inverters to all of their customers nationwide.

For information on APS solar microinverter projects, see www.usa.apsystems.com or email sales@apsamerica.com.

For information on Fortune Energy, contact Marketing@FortuneEnergy.net or call 916-492-2797.

APS America names Michael Ludgate 
new Vice President for Business Development

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SEATTLE — APS America, a global leader in solar micro inverter technology, has hired Michael Ludgate as Vice President for Business Development.

“We’re gratified to attract someone of Michael’s caliber,” said Kelly Samson, APS America CEO. “Michael knows the solar market, and he’s well known in the industry. He’ll be a dynamic presence as we establish new strategic partnerships for sales and growth.”
Ludgate comes to APS America with over six years in the solar industry, and will lead the company’s sales, business partnership and engagement strategy. Previously, Ludgate served as Senior Director of Sales and Marketing for Sharp’s Solar Energy Solutions Group and Kyocera Solar. As a member of the senior leadership team there, Ludgate successfully developed more than 45MW of commercial solar installations.

michael-apsBefore joining the solar market, he held senior management positions in the high technology sector (20+ years) including Intel Corporation (Managing Director for Storage and Industrial Automation); Hewlett-Packard (head of marketing for two startup initiatives); and Iomega Corporation (General Manager for the $1B Zip storage division).

Michael knows the solar market, and he’s well known in the industry. He’ll be a dynamic presence as we establish new strategic partnerships for sales and growth.” – Kelly Samson, APS America CEO

Ludgate earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from York University (with distinction). He is also the Judging Chair (AZ) for the Clean Tech Open in the Rocky Mountain District.

“We are hitting on all cylinders and our third- and fourth-generation products are well received,” Ludgate said of APS. “Aside from the incredible value proposition that we offer with the YC500 micro inverter, launching the industry’s first three-phase microinverter (YC1000) is an exciting milestone.”

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

APS microinverters convert the DC (direct) current generated by rooftop solar panels into the AC (alternating) current of home appliances and the surrounding power grid. Unlike conventional “string” inverters, which channel all the output from a solar array through a single unit, APS microinverters allow monitoring and management of individual panels in a solar array. APS’ proprietary, chip-based architecture ensures maximum system efficiency and power output in all conditions.

The company’s flagship product is the YC500 microinverter, a powerful unit that handles two solar (PV) panels simultaneously. The new YC1000-3, a groundbreaking microinverter supporting 3-phase power, is an APS exclusive.

Based near Seattle, APS America supplies and services APS products in North America. APS was founded in Silicon Valley in 2009 and is now a global leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of solar microinverters based on their own leading-edge technology.

For information on APS solar microinverter products, see www.usa.apsystems.com or call 206-855-5100.