In the San Juan Islands of Washington State, Swiftwater Electric & Solar is redefining what solar can do beyond the home. Their 49.8 kW installation at a local church in Friday Harbor—designed as a reliable energy hub during outages—has earned top recognition in the APsystems Project of the Year Awards.

In a region where power outages are a frequent concern, the project was built with a clear mission: create a dependable community space where residents can gather and maintain access to electricity when the grid goes down. By pairing solar generation with battery storage, the system delivers both resilience and peace of mind.

The project originated through a Washington State grant secured on behalf of the church, with Swiftwater collaborating closely on system design and construction. From the outset, the team prioritized a solution that balanced performance, reliability, and long-term value.

That approach led them to APsystems.

“We’ve used AP microinverters extensively as a company,” said David Nicol, General Manager of Swiftwater Electric & Solar. “AP is by far the best choice from a technological, cost, and warranty standpoint.”

While installation complexity remained in line with other microinverter options, Nicol pointed to key advantages that made a difference on this project.

“APsystems delivers a much better price point, and the 2:1 architecture halves potential points of failure on the roof compared to 1:1 systems,” he explained.
Swiftwater also leveraged APsystems’ multi-module architecture to simplify the overall system design. “The 4:1 system reduced both cost and complexity,” Nicol added.

That combination of smart design and proven technology has translated into strong real-world performance. “The DS3 microinverters have met or exceeded my expectations,” he said.

Beyond the technology itself, the project reflects a broader shift in how solar is being deployed—not just as an energy solution, but as critical infrastructure. While the system is still awaiting final utility approval, its long-term impact is already clear: lower energy costs for the site and a reliable resource for the community during outages.

For Swiftwater Electric & Solar, the Friday Harbor installation is a clear example of what’s possible when solar is designed with purpose—strengthening communities while delivering dependable, cost-effective energy.

“APsystems delivers a much better price point, and the 2:1 architecture halves potential points of failure on the roof compared to 1:1 systems.”

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