Video thumbnail for 'The Pitch' showing an APsystems EZ1 Plug-In Microinverter on a rack with a play button overlay and Sunset rooftop background.

THE PITCH: Doug Hewitt Discusses the Future of Plug-In Solar and the EZ1

/in , , , , , /by

Plug-in solar continues to gain momentum in the United States, creating new opportunities for renters, apartment residents, and others who may not have access to traditional rooftop solar.

APsystems U.S. Country Director Doug Hewitt recently joined Brad Kramer on The Pitch, a video series from Solar Builder Magazine, to discuss the growing plug-in solar market, the APsystems EZ1 Plug-In Microinverter, and what this technology could mean for the future of accessible solar in the U.S.

Watch the conversation to learn more about the opportunities, challenges, and growth potential of plug-in solar.

Collage promoting solar ownership: APsystems branding, people discussing energy, and solar hardware with the title 'VOICES OF SOLAR OWNERSHIP' in the center.

APsystems Homeowner Voices: Why We Chose APsystems

/in , , , , /by

Hear directly from APsystems homeowners as they share why they chose APsystems microinverter and energy storage solutions to power their homes.

From lowering electric bills and charging EVs with solar energy to gaining backup power during outages, these homeowners explain how solar and storage have changed the way they think about energy. They also discuss the benefits of APsystems microinverters, battery backup, and real-time monitoring through the APsystems app, allowing them to track production, energy flow, and savings from anywhere.

Whether the goal is energy independence, resilience during grid outages, environmental stewardship, or long-term savings, these stories highlight the real-world impact of investing in solar and storage.

Watch as APsystems customers share their experiences and discover how APsystems solutions are helping homeowners take greater control of their power, their costs, and their future.

Explore APsystems Solar + Storage Solutions

 

Skip the Install. Plug In Your Solar.

/in , , , /by

No roof work. No complicated setup. The APsystems EZ1 plug-in microinverter lets you generate solar power and plug it directly into a standard outlet.  Hook up your panels, plug in, and start cutting down your utility bill.  Take it with you when you move, or unplug it anytime.

You’re the boss. Stop paying for the sun and plug it in.

DS3 in Action at the Intersolar Solar Games

/in , , , , /by

APsystems was proud to be the Official Microinverter Sponsor of the Intersolar 2026 Solar Games, highlighting the incredible talent and precision of solar installers.

Teddy Hodges took the stage to break down the APsystems DS3 dual microinverter being installed during the competition and explain why it’s built for today’s higher-power modules — delivering more power in a compact design that’s ready for modern solar installs.

When Teddy interviews… Teddy

/in , , , , /by

“What if I’m a renter?”
“What if I don’t want a contractor?”
“What if I just want solar… like, now?”

Good news — Teddy’s got answers for Teddy. And apparently, it’s called the EZ1.

⚡ Plug it in
📱 Monitor it on your phone
🛠️ No install headaches
🏙️ Perfect for apartments, balconies, and DIYers

Honestly… when Teddy agrees with Teddy, you know it’s legit!

👉 See why even Teddy recommends the EZ1 (to himself):

Installer Perspective: 25-Year Warranty. Zero Headaches.

/in , , , /by

Part three of our Real APtalk with Ready Solar is here!

Owner and founder Sukhpaul Parmar breaks down why APsystems continues to be his top choice — from our new 25-year warranty to reliable microinverters that keep callbacks off the calendar.

With years of installs and zero RMAs, his team stays focused on doing the job right the first time.

Reliable products. Fast support. A partner installers can trust.

WATCH PAST EPISODES 1 & 2 HERE

Capture the Holiday Rush for Plug-and-Play Solar with EZ1

/in , , , , /by

This season, give homeowners the gift of instant energy savings. The APsystems EZ1 plug-in microinverter makes it easy to generate solar power from balconies, sheds, patios, and gardens — no wiring, no hassle, just plug in and start saving.

We’re proud of our professional DS3 and QT2 rooftop microinverters, but some homeowners are looking for smaller, flexible, plug-and-play options to brighten up their balconies or backyard spaces. Rather than watching those micro-site purchases go elsewhere, why not wrap up those sales yourself?

For installers and distributors, EZ1 opens the door to new holiday-season opportunities:

• Add-on solar kits

• Direct-to-DIY bundles

• Quick, small-project installs

This year, turn DIY solar into a season of growth — not competition. EZ1 gives you a new way to reach homeowners who want simple, affordable solar they can install themselves.

Let’s make this a brilliant season for your business. Reach out to learn more about EZ1.

PARTNER SUCCESS STORY: Forest Preserve: Net Zero Facility

/in , , , /by

Hardt Electric Helps Deliver a Net-Zero Future for Illinois Forest Preserve Using APsystems Microinverters

The Forest Preserve District’s largest site—spanning nearly 3,000 acres of protected land, trails, winter recreation areas, fishing ponds, and habitat for 24 threatened and endangered species—is now home to a state-of-the-art net-zero maintenance facility powered by APsystems technology.

As part of a comprehensive transformation plan launched in 2021, the District set out to build a new 9,800-square-foot facility that could operate entirely on clean energy. Meeting these ambitious goals required an experienced contractor capable of navigating both the technical demands of net-zero construction and the environmental protection standards of this sensitive site—including a nationally designated 70-acre bog.

Hardt Electric, a Chicago-based electrical contractor with over fifty years of service and more than two decades of renewable-energy expertise, led the design and construction of the solar system. The team engineered a 40 kW grid-interactive photovoltaic array designed to generate 100% of the building’s annual energy needs—and it’s already outperforming expectations.

Tight site constraints required the solar array to be installed within a restricted footprint and at closer-than-normal racking distances. By selecting APsystems microinverter technology, Hardt Electric ensured the system would continue to deliver maximum production even with intermittent shading and limited spacing. The microinverters’ ability to operate efficiently in higher-temperature environments with greater system reliability, their four-module input design, real-time monitoring capabilities and the safety features of the technology were key advantages in meeting the project’s performance goals.

“APsystems played a strategic role in maximizing the system’s output,” said Peter Hardt, President of Hardt Electric, in a recent discussion onsite with Teddy Hodges of TEDDY Talks. “With the environmental limitations we had to work within, microinverters gave us the flexibility, efficiency, and reliability this project demanded.”

The result:
A fully net-zero facility powered by a solar array that is already producing more energy than modeled—delivering long-term operational savings and a smaller carbon footprint for the Forest Preserve District.

This project reflects the growing trend of municipalities and public agencies turning to advanced solar technologies to meet sustainability commitments while protecting critical natural habitats. APsystems is proud to support Hardt Electric and the Forest Preserve District in realizing a cleaner, more resilient future for the community.

PARTNER SUCCESS STORY: Cut Costs, Boost Reliability – Swiftwater Talks APsystems

/in , , , /by

Swiftwater Electric and Solar has been serving customers since 2005 as a trusted electrical contractor in the San Juan Islands. Recently, they’ve expanded their services to include solar, batteries, and generators, offering high-quality installations tailored to each customer’s unique energy needs. “We work closely with our customers to design and install solar systems that are efficient, reliable, and cost-effective,” says owner David Nicol. Their passion for solar energy drives their commitment to making clean energy accessible to everyone, helping build a sustainable future for the community.

David Nicol shared why Swiftwater Electric and Solar chose APsystems microinverters for their solar projects. “They have a sub-1% unit failure rate, which is great,” he says, highlighting APsystems’ reliability. The 2:1 architecture “means we have half the equipment on the roof — and half the opportunity for anything to fail,” providing peace of mind for both installers and homeowners.

Cost savings are another major benefit: “Now an inverter system is less than a solar panel on a per-watt basis — that saves us money and saves our customers money,” Nicol explains. Combined with APsystems’ extended warranty, the switch has been seamless: “I have fully switched over to APS and so far it’s been a great experience for us.”

As early adopters in their market, Swiftwater Electric and Solar has also set a trend among other installers. “More than three-quarters of the time, when we compete with another installer, they’re also quoting APS — that makes me feel better about my choice,” Nicol notes. With APsystems, Swiftwater Electric and Solar has found a solution that is reliable, cost-effective, and widely trusted — a perfect match for their commitment to delivering high-quality, customer-focused solar solutions.

Real APtalk: Solar & Storage Simplified

/in , , /by

In this episode of Real APtalk, APsystems’ Jeff Blick takes us inside a complete solar + storage setup in Washington state.From 15 solar panels with DS3 microinverters to the APstorage ELS 11.4k PCS (battery inverter) and 10kWh battery, Jeff walks through how everything connects — and how installers can scale up to 16 batteries for even greater power availability.