Powered by APsystems microinverters, the largest solar array in Manitoba goes live

The largest solar array in Manitoba, Canada, goes live this month, powered by APsystems microinverters.

The ambitious 200.2 kW ground-mount array will provide 100 percent of the power needs for the Crescent Beach Cottages, a waterfront vacation resort on scenic West Hawk Lake in the Whiteshell Provincial Park.

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Installer Evolve Green of Manitoba and the resort owners chose APsystems YC500A dual-module microinverters for their high production and the integrated Energy Monitoring & Analysis system. The APsystems EMA allows real-time monitoring of individual modules in the array to ensure optimal production at all times.

The resort’s rocky, forested terrain posed a challenge for installation – system designers had little room to work with – but creative placement put the topography to advantage. Installers mounted the second row of modules on a rocky tier some 8 feet above grade, allowing the two racks of modules to be placed closer together and conserve space.

The two-rack ground-mount system includes 308 modules and 154 APsystems microinverter units per rack — more than 600 modules and 300 microinverters total — provided through Canadian solar equipment dealer National Solar Distributors.

In addition to achieving “net zero” energy use for the resort, the owners will recover 30 percent of their investment through a rebate program by regional utility Manitoba Hydro.

See a video of the Crescent Beach Cottages array here.

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APsystems Featured In Solar Builder’s New 2018 Inverter Buyers Guide

Screen Shot 2018-05-08 at 12.32.01 PMAPsystems gets some great press in the new 2018 Inverter Buyers Guide from Solar Builder Mag, out now.

The editors tout the new APsystems YC600 microinverter with Reactive Power Control and Rule 21 grid support functionality. Offering 300 VA peak output power per channel, the YC600 works with 60- and 72-cell PV modules and offers dual, independent MPPT per panel – setting a powerful new standard for microinverter technology.

Also in the Buyers Guide: The APsystems EMA App, offering comprehensive, real-time system monitoring through your handheld device. “APsystems provides complimentary module-level monitoring through its cloud-based EMA service for both homeowners and installers,” Solar Builder writes. “With the EMA app, users can see the energy their system is producing at the panel level, so if the app shows that a particular PV module is underperforming, the owner knows to check for shading issues, debris and damage.”

Download the 2018 Inverter Buyers Guide here.

More power, smart-grid ready with new YC600 microinverter

The powerful new YC600 microinverter from APsystems is the forward-thinking choice in all solar markets. Seattle-area installer Puget Sound Solar chose the YC600 for a recent residential installation in the Magnolia neighborhood, where homeowners will benefit from the 300VA peak output to take maximum advantage of Washington state’s progressive net metering program. The 7.7kW system called for 22 modules arrayed over four distinct roof slopes on the multi-story home, using APsystems microinverters for design flexibility. Inherently smart-grid compliant with Reactive Power Control technology, the YC600 is designed and built for utility-interactive requirements today and into the future.

Installer: Puget Sound Solar
Location: Magnolia neighborhood, Seattle
Installation Date: 2018
System capacity (kw): 7.7kW
Microinverter: APsystems YC600
No. of Microinverters: 11
Number of modules: 22
Module brand/wattage: LG 350W, 60 cell

APsystems EMA mobile app now features module-level monitoring

Hand-Phone-EMA-module-monitoringAPsystems now offers the same, widely popular module-level monitoring features from its online EMA portal in its convenient mobile app. The EMA app displays solar array power production by day and month, as well as current panel-by-panel performance.

The app also features a date selection tool which displays module-level performance on a specific date and time for even more in-depth monitoring.

In module view, users can select a specific module to view details, view a time-lapse or scrub through the timeline with their finger, and pinch the screen to zoom in or out.

These new EMA app features offer solar system owners even more ways to monitor their system performance, troubleshoot issues and even showcase their energy independence to their friends! Find out more about APsystems mobile apps here.

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Hard facts on soft costs

Installers — does your solar equipment-of-choice play well together? Using integrated systems on cabling and racking can save on soft costs like installation time and truck rolls. Hardwired gateways can head off connection dropouts and failures. Find these and other time- and money-saving tips in “Install Tips: Choose products that reduce soft costs,” now at solarpowerworldonline.com

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APsystems YC600 smart-grid microinverter NOW SHIPPING in USA

The world’s most advanced solar microinverter, the smart-grid compliant YC600 from APsystems, is now shipping in the U.S. market.

A true utility-interactive microinverter with Reactive Power Control (RPC) technology, the YC600 meets CA Rule 21 requirements and is NEC 2014/2017 Rapid Shutdown compliant. The YC600 sets a bold new standard for solar microinverter technology, boasting an unprecedented 300VA peak output per channel and accommodating 60- and 72-cell PV modules.

A wider MPPT voltage range than competing brands means greater energy harvest for homeowners, and the unit is shelled in a rugged, NEMA 6/IP67, powder-coated aluminum enclosure, bucking today’s trend of plastic casings.

The YC600 builds on the successful APsystems line of multi-module microinverters, simplifying installation while reducing installation costs and time on the job site.

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YC600 features include:

  • Dual-module microinverter with independent MPPT
  • Utility-interactive with Reactive Power Control (RPC)
  • CA Rule 21 compliance
  • Continuous power of 274VA per channel, 300VA peak
  • Accommodates modules from 250-365W+
  • Wide MPPT voltage range (22V-45V)
  • Meets NEC 2014/2017 690.12 Rapid Shutdown requirements
  • ZigBee communication & free monitoring

Contact your local distributor or sales.usa@APsystems.com to bring the YC600 to your customers today.

APsystems expands EMA system monitoring & alert capabilities

New features provide comprehensive visibility and enhanced remote troubleshooting

APsystems proudly announces new system monitoring alert capabilities within its online EMA portal. The new alerts will improve communication regarding any production and communication issues with an enhanced email alert protocol, giving installers and homeowners further insight into any potential issues affecting their systems.

While the APsystems EMA has always provided system production reports and alerts, the new alerts will be more targeted, more frequent and more informative.

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  1. System alerts will notify an installer if one of their installed systems has an inverter that ceases producing energy.
  2. Registration alerts are issued in the case of inaccurate or incomplete system registration.
  3. Communication interrupt alerts will notify installers in cases where their ECU gateway ceases communicating properly with the EMA online monitoring system which could indicate an interruption of communication between inverters, ECU and/or EMA; or simply a local internet, ISP or router issue.
  4. Production alerts will notify installers of unusually low power production at the individual inverter level, giving them an opportunity to check status online and verify proper operation.

These alerts offer installers a more refined tool for notification and troubleshooting of potential system issues. As with any apparent issue, APsystems always recommends contacting our technical support team if you suspect a problem. Most issues can be reviewed and resolved online and without a truck roll.

Changes made to the EMA are seamless and will be automatically available to all new registered systems and over 31,000 existing APsystems installations worldwide.

APsystems distributors have you covered

APsystems advanced microinverter technology is now more widely available than ever.  
With new top-tier distributors and financing platforms joining our network, APsystems microinverters are now available in all 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. With more than 31,000 systems and 282 GWh of energy produced worldwide, no wonder APsystems ranks no. 2 in global market share among independent microinverter suppliers. 
 
Contact your local distributor or sales.usa@APsystems.com to find the authorized distributor in your area for outstanding pricing and fast fulfillment. 
 
Wherever you are, APsystems has you covered.
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Next-gen multi-module microinverters to reduce installation costs

chrisLearn the ins and outs of multi-module microinverters, including the YC600 2:1 and new QS1 4:1 microinverter and how they can be used together to reduce installation time and costs. This session at the annual NABCEP Continuing Education Conference will include installation tips and best practices using APsystems inverters to minimize time and issues at the site and maximize installer efficiency.

Chris Barrett brings more than 20 years’ experience in the solar and semiconductor industries. He previously held positions with Brooks Automation, Netmercury, Ferrotec, and SolarBridge Technologies. At APsystems, Chris oversees U.S. technical support and training. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering with business management from Keene State University, and an Associate of Science degree in electromechanical drafting and design technology from New Hampshire Technical College.

Click here for more information on this year’s NABCEP Continuing Education Conference, or email sales.usa@APsystems.com to set up a meeting during this year’s event.

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APsystems brings groundbreaking YC600 microinverter to CSPE, March 27-28

APsystems brings the new YC600 grid-interactive microinverter to the California Solar Power Expo, March 27-28 in San Diego.

Christopher Barrett, senior director of engineering for APsystems, will offer a training session 1:45-2:45pm PT on Tuesday March 27,  introducing this groundbreaking new utility-interactive microinverter with Reactive Power Control (RPC) technology. The pinnacle of microinverter technology, the YC600 meets CA Rule 21 requirements and is inherently NEC 2014/2017 Rapid Shutdown compliant.

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The seminar is registered to confer 2 NABCEP CE credits. Contact support.usa@APsystems.com to register today.

Find the APsystems team at Booth 58 in the Lower Level Exhibit Hall of the San Diego Convention Center.

The California Solar Power Expo is an interactive event designed for solar, smart energy, and storage professionals who are working in and with the California solar market to make powerful business connections. The event will feature exhibitor-led training for installers, contractors, developers and the entire solar and storage supply chain, as well as networking opportunities.

More than 70 exhibitors and 1,500 attendees are expected.

Click here for more information on this year’s California Solar Power Expo, or email sales.usa@APsystems.com to set up a meeting during this year’s event.