It’s not unusual these days for homebuilders to offer solar as a “buyer option,” a splashy add-on that the purchaser may or may not decide is worth the extra cost.
Yet others across the industry see a renewable energy system on a new home as simply one more element of design, as intrinsic as windows and doors, plumbing and lights.
“Solar as standard” could be the mantra for Lighthouse Solar. Partnering with real estate developer PSW, the Austin, Texas-based installer is powering new planned solar communities throughout the region in which PV on the roof is expected as the roof itself.
Prototypical is the 330 Clay Street project, a new 32-home development in San Antonio’s stylish arts district, where every home will be powered by APsystems microinverter systems.
For its leadership at 330 Clay and in the greater regional market, Lighthouse Solar wins this year’s APsystems Solar Project of the Year Award in the Residential category.
“Lighthouse and its partners are showing the way forward for solar in new construction,” said Jason Higginson, senior director of marketing for APsystems USA. “Making new homes energy self-sufficient should be a given, and the APsystems module-level solution makes it both achievable and affordable.”
Now celebrating its tenth year of operations in the fast-growing Texas market (the company’s New York unit is under separate ownership), Lighthouse sees planned solar communities as the next frontier.
At Clay Street, PV comes standard with every home as part of a larger sustainability package. The typical array is around 3kW, and the systems are designed to offset up to 50 percent of projected household usage.
Some homeowners manage their consumption such that the systems offset up to 80 percent, according to Stan Pipkin, Lighthouse Solar vice president and managing director.
Lighthouse began using APsystems microinverters last year after consultation with The Power Store, a regional distributor. Lighthouse installer teams found the integration to be “simple, as advertised,” Pipkin says.
“We were looking at a distributed solution that can scale effectively with the smaller systems at the planned community,” he says. “The systems are also designed to be able to scale as people move into the homes and get used to living with their solar system. The module-level performance offers a design flexibility to ensure parity among all the homeowners in the community.”
It’s a template that Lighthouse and its partners are carrying forward into the new year. More than 200 new solar-standard homes are slated to come online in several other new PSW planned communities.
“We thank APsystems for the honor and acknowledgement,” Pipkin says. “We look forward to more innovative and performative projects that APsystems technology is enabling.”
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Join APsystems at GTM Solar Summit, May 17-18
/in Events, General News/by APsystems TeamOlivier Jacques, APsystems’ Executive Vice President, will be a featured speaker at the conference.
See the full line of APsystems microinverter products at our event booth. Set up a meeting with a member of our attending team by emailing sales@APsystems.com.
Presented by GreenTech Media, the Solar Summit is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2017, with two full days of packed networking opportunities and a unique mix of market intelligence with engaging panel sessions among industry leaders.
For more information on the GTM Solar Summit, see https://www.greentechmedia.com/events/live/solar-summit-2017
Join APsystems at CSPE, May 1-2 in San Diego
/in Events, General News, Trainings/by APsystems TeamAPsystems brings its industry-leading MLPE portfolio to the California Solar Power Expo, May 1-2 in San Diego.
John Doerr of the APsystems technical services division will offer a training session on Monday, May 1, 2:15 pm – 4:15 pm titled ‘Commercial Three Phase Microinverter Solutions – Including Design for Communication’ in a course registered to confer 2 NABCEP CE credits. Contact support@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, powered by SEIA and SEPA, is an interactive marketplace designed specifically for the California solar supply chain, including installers, developers, manufacturers, and service providers. More than 400 companies are registered to attend, with technical training, networking and a Solar Job Fair in store.
Click here for more information on this year’s California Solar Power Expo, or email sales@APsystems.com to set up a meeting during this year’s event.
Address connectivity issues to reduce trips to solar sites
/in Article, General News, Press Coverage/by APsystems TeamApril 10, 2017 Kelly Pickerel Solar Power World
You’re a solar installer, not “the IT guy,” so why spend time dealing with connectivity issues, rebooting customers’ Wi-Fi networks?
While real-time monitoring is an essential feature of today’s PV systems, communication between system monitoring devices and the customer’s router is often overlooked. Understanding the options for today’s connectivity—and making smart choices for your customers—can save you costly return visits to jobsites.
The challenge
Relaying performance data from the solar system to the customer’s computer or smart device and the manufacturer’s database involves constant, reliable communication between specialized components. The typical signal chain for communication links the solar array to the data collector, which is typically called a gateway—such as the APsystems ECU or the Enphase Envoy. The signals travel to the home internet router and onto various monitoring stations.
It sounds straightforward, but differences in home size and layout can mean the gateway and router are separated, likely by walls and floors.
Bridging the gap
Today’s solar customers have an almost bewildering array of choices (and acronyms) for linking the gateway to their router. There are Wi-Fi extenders or Ethernet cables, such as Ethernet-over-powerline (EoP), where wires used to distribute power inside homes also transmit digital data based on time division multiple access (TDMA) technology. You can even use old-school CAT-5 or CAT-6 Ethernet cables. Each option has its particular strengths and weaknesses, and the right answer for one installation may not work for another.
Making the right choice
Solar customers want reliability, from the solar modules to inverters to production. Connectivity should have the same level of reliability.
Match your hardware choices to the size and layout of the house with proven technologies and products to ensure uninterrupted, around-the-clock monitoring. Keep in mind that the best choice will invariably be a hardline connection whenever possible. With potential signal disruption, a wireless connection will only ever be as reliable as wireless allows. Today’s wireless technology is incredible, but critical connectivity requires highly reliable communication devices. You simply can’t beat a direct, uninterrupted connection. Test each solution to find your ideal answer for each installation scenario, and remember the best solution is the one that requires the least follow-up once you’ve left the jobsite.
This installation tip was provided by Chris Barrett, director of engineering and technical services, APsystems
See full article on Solar Power World
APsystems announces major sponsorship of Extend The Day
/in Article, General News, Press Releases/by APsystems TeamAPsystems, the global leader in advanced microinverter technology for the solar PV industry, today announced its commitment to Extend the Day, a charity organization which gives solar reading lights to school children in disadvantaged countries with no access to electricity.
APsystems will donate $1 to the nonprofit for every microinverter purchased up to the amount of the charity’s 2017 administrative expenses for its Lights for Learning program.
“APsystems is proud to partner with Extend the Day to bring light to these children’s lives.” said Dr. Zhi-min Ling, APsystems Global President & CEO. “We firmly believe in what Extend the Day is doing around the world and are committed to helping them continue to achieve measurable results with their Lights for Learning program.
“This foundation commitment by APsystems is extraordinary,” said Extend the Day Executive Director Jo Lonseth. “It allows us to focus on expanding our reach and building on the successful projects we already have in Kenya, Nepal and Myanmar. Success in life for children living in disadvantaged communities often comes down to whether or not they can continue their middle school education. These solar powered lights cost nothing to operate and make it possible for school children to do homework after dark, improve their grades, and stay in school.”
APsystems first learned about the impressive work that Extend the Day is doing when the non-profit asked APsystems for help in designing a more reliable, lightweight, and inexpensive solar powered light. As a world leader in the development of innovative solar power electronic solutions, APsystems was the right choice and eagerly worked with Extend the Day to develop the ideal solution.
For more information on Extend the Day: extendtheday.org
Join APsystems for a connectivity webinar, March 29
/in Events, General News, Trainings, Webinar/by APsystems TeamToday’s solar customers have an almost bewildering array of choices (and acronyms) for linking the gateway to their router: Wi-Fi, EoP, TDMA, even old-school CAT-5 and CAT-6.
Which technology is right for your next installation? Find out through a new APsystems webinar, “Critical Connectivity: addressing site communication in a wireless (and sometimes wired) world,” to be offered 11:30 am EST March 29.
The webinar will be presented by Christopher Barrett, Director of Technical Services and Engineering for APsystems, and moderated by Kathie Zipp of Solar Power World.
Register for this informative session at www.solarpowerworldonline.com
APsystems to offer installer training, panel expertise at NABCEP 2017 in Dallas, March 21-23
/in Events, General News, Trainings/by APsystems TeamThe APsystems technical support team will offer installer training and panel expertise at NABCEP Continuing Education 2017, March 21-23 in Dallas.
Seminars include:
Microinverters in the Residential Environment – APsystems YC500 Dual Module Solution: Examine the advantage of microinverters in a single-phase residential application. Learn techniques of system designing for communication to minimize return site visits and maximize operation profits, demonstrated through the installation of the APsystems microinverters.
Commercial Three Phase Microinverter Solutions – Including Design for Communication: Understand the advantages of the Three-Phase microinverter in commercial markets. The seminar will emphasize the performance and versatility of the APsystems YC1000 three-phase microinverter, and designing systems for enhanced communication and monitoring freedom.
To register, email support@APsystems.com.
Presenters will be Christopher Barrett, Director of Engineering and Technical Services for APsystems, and John Doerr, APsystems applications engineer.
Christopher will also be a featured panelist at the NABCEP conference session “Improving System ROI through Best Practices in Solar PV Systems Design Installation, Monitoring and O & M,” is 3:30-5:30 pm Tuesday, March 21 in the Crystal Ballroom VIII.
Christopher brings more than 20 years’ experience in the solar and semiconductor industries. Prior to APsystems, he served as Technical Services Manager for SolarBridge Technologies, directing a multinational support center that monitored global PV installations, provided support and dispatched technicians to the field.
John Doerr contributes over 30 years of experience in management with startups, manufacturing and customer support, as well as national and international consulting. His work includes development and contractor management of commercial, residential and multifamily projects. John provides the pre- and post-sales technical training and supports installer needs for application engineering and design.
ABOUT NABCEP: The NABCEP CE conference is intended for professionals who need continuing education credits to maintain their NABCEP accreditation. The conference allows Certified PV Installation Professionals and PV Technical Sales Professionals to earn all of the credits needed for recertification (18 hours every three years), while non-certified professionals can earn up to 18 hours toward accreditation. Information: www.nabcep.org.
APsystems featured in Solar Builder Magazine’s special Inverter Issue
/in Article, General News, Press Coverage/by APsystems TeamSolar Builder Magazine’s special Inverter Issue is out now, and APsystems is featured throughout.
Always follow best practices to head off gateway communication issues, says Christopher Barrett, APsystems Director of Technical Services, in the “Ask An Expert” feature compiled by Solar Builder editors. Even in a “wireless” world, hard-wired CAT-5 connections can be the best and most reliable option, Christopher says – and save you the time and trouble of returning to the jobsite to sort out Wi-Fi problems.
Remember to compare warranties when doing your calculations – there’s real value in that certificate, should a system component ever need to be replaced. That’s one of the insights APsystems contributes to an informative story on Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), the formula that determines a solar array’s investment value over its lifetime.
Power and versatility are the hallmarks of the new APsystems YC500i with EnergyMax, a microinverter designed and built for today’s high-output modules, profiled in Solar Builder’s 2017 Inverter Buyers Guide.
Find out more about APsystems microinverters, “The Installers’ Choice,” on the inside front cover of the edition, on newsstands now.
Download the digital edition of Solar Builder’s Inverter Issue here.
Lighthouse & Bombard earn prestigious APsystems Project of the Year awards
/in Awards, General News/by APsystems TeamLighthouse Solar is honored in the Residential category for their efforts in making PV systems a more standard feature in planned solar communities in the San Antonio area.
Bombard Renewable Energy wins this year’s APsystems Solar Project of the Year Award in the Commercial category
/in Awards, Case Studies, General News/by APsystems TeamWhen the state of Nevada established a pilot program to bring solar power to marginalized communities, Bombard Renewable Energy delivered.
The Las Vegas based Solar PV contractor completed a string of projects for prominent area nonprofit agencies, putting the power of solar to work for citizens and agencies not often served by renewable PV resources.
For helping bring solar power to the nonprofit sector, Bombard Renewable Energy has earned the APsystems Project of the Year Award in the Commercial category.
“Nonprofit organizations are an overlooked segment of the commercial solar market, but that’s changing thanks to solar installation leaders like Bombard,” said Jason Higginson, senior director of marketing for APsystems USA. “We’re proud to see our microinverter products supporting the good work of so many worthy nonprofit agencies.”
Bombard Renewable Energy is honored for a quintet of service-sector projects in the Las Vegas area, including:
The projects were built through Nevada’s Low Income Solar Energy Pilot Program, established by the state legislature several years ago to benefit low-income customers, including, without limitation, homeless shelters, low-income housing developments and schools with significant populations of low-income students.
Bombard Renewable Energy contracted with NV Energy for the engineering and construction of the projects, said Bo Balzar, Bombard Renewable Energy Division Manager.
Bombard chose APsystems’ YC1000 true 3-phase microinverters for the installations.
“Superior durability combined with a comprehensive warranty and exceptional design flexibility made APsystems the obvious choice for our projects,” Radford said. “APsystems is the only microinverter technology we found which supports both 60-cell modules at 240V and 72-cell modules at 208 and 480V 3-phase systems.”
Lighthouse Solar wins this year’s APsystems Solar Project of the Year Award in the Residential category
/in Awards, General News/by APsystems TeamIt’s not unusual these days for homebuilders to offer solar as a “buyer option,” a splashy add-on that the purchaser may or may not decide is worth the extra cost.
Yet others across the industry see a renewable energy system on a new home as simply one more element of design, as intrinsic as windows and doors, plumbing and lights.
“Solar as standard” could be the mantra for Lighthouse Solar. Partnering with real estate developer PSW, the Austin, Texas-based installer is powering new planned solar communities throughout the region in which PV on the roof is expected as the roof itself.
Prototypical is the 330 Clay Street project, a new 32-home development in San Antonio’s stylish arts district, where every home will be powered by APsystems microinverter systems.
“Lighthouse and its partners are showing the way forward for solar in new construction,” said Jason Higginson, senior director of marketing for APsystems USA. “Making new homes energy self-sufficient should be a given, and the APsystems module-level solution makes it both achievable and affordable.”
Now celebrating its tenth year of operations in the fast-growing Texas market (the company’s New York unit is under separate ownership), Lighthouse sees planned solar communities as the next frontier.
At Clay Street, PV comes standard with every home as part of a larger sustainability package. The typical array is around 3kW, and the systems are designed to offset up to 50 percent of projected household usage.
Some homeowners manage their consumption such that the systems offset up to 80 percent, according to Stan Pipkin, Lighthouse Solar vice president and managing director.
Lighthouse began using APsystems microinverters last year after consultation with The Power Store, a regional distributor. Lighthouse installer teams found the integration to be “simple, as advertised,” Pipkin says.
“We were looking at a distributed solution that can scale effectively with the smaller systems at the planned community,” he says. “The systems are also designed to be able to scale as people move into the homes and get used to living with their solar system. The module-level performance offers a design flexibility to ensure parity among all the homeowners in the community.”
It’s a template that Lighthouse and its partners are carrying forward into the new year. More than 200 new solar-standard homes are slated to come online in several other new PSW planned communities.
“We thank APsystems for the honor and acknowledgement,” Pipkin says. “We look forward to more innovative and performative projects that APsystems technology is enabling.”