FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEATTLE – Solar industry veteran Andrew Nichols has joined APsystems as Senior Vice President of Sales, USA.

Andrew comes to APsystems with over 30 years in high technology and alternative energy sales. He most recently served as Vice President of Worldwide Sales for SolarBridge Technologies through its successful acquisition by SunPower Corporation.

Prior to this he served as Vice President of Sales and Customer Support for Enphase Energy, as it went from zero revenue to over $200 million in annual sales and an eventual IPO.

He also ran North American Renewable Energy Sales for Xantrex Technology (acquired by Schneider Electric). He began his career at IBM/ROLM and held positions of increasing responsibility at Apple before committing the last 11-plus years to the renewable energy industry.

He holds a BA in social sciences from the University of California, Berkeley.

“APsystems is the emergent front-runner in solar microinverter technology, and I’m honored to join their team,” Nichols said.

“Their commitment to innovation in module-level electronics is really showing the way forward in this fast-growing segment.”

Andrew Lonseth, APsystems president for U.S. operations, said Nichols’ broad experience in renewable energy brings both strategic and customer-facing value.

“Andrew Nichols knows the domestic and international solar market like few others,” Lonseth said. “Bringing his expertise into play as we grow our product portfolio and market share will serve both APsystems and our customers very well.”

Since its founding in Silicon Valley in 2009, APsystems has emerged as an industry leader through innovative solar products including dual-module microinverters and the first true 3-phase, four-module unit.

APsystems ranked no. 2 in global market share among microinverter suppliers by shipments in 2014 (source: GTM Research).

APsystems USA has offices in Cupertino, Calif., and Seattle, with manufacturing in Washington state.

Olivier Jacques has joined APsystems as Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa. He is based in Lyon, France.

Jacques brings more than 20 years of experience in construction, industrial and high-tech industries. Prior to joining APsystems, he served as Managing Director EMEA for Enphase Energy. There, he developed the microinverter market in Europe from scratch, achieving leading share positions in key European solar regions.

“European, Middle Eastern and African solar markets open up to APsystems with the addition of Olivier Jacques,” said Dr. Zhi-Min Ling. “His solar industry leadership in these key territories is unmatched, and enhances our position as a global leader in renewable energy technologies.”

APsystems ranked no. 2 in global market share among microinverter suppliers by shipments in 2014 (source: GTM Research, Smart and AC PV Modules 2015 – 2020).

“I am very excited to join APsystems in such a key development phase globally,” Jacques said. “The company is now increasing its presence in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and I am absolutely convinced that AP systems’ portfolio strategy will bring outstanding value to solar professionals in these regions, especially given the current energy management market trends dynamic.”

Jacques previously served as managing director for several international concerns including Norgren (IMI group), a leading industrial automation and fluid control company, where he spurred growth despite an economic recession.

As France Managing Director and HVAC-R Southern Europe Director at Danfoss Drives, he increased revenues, created sales channels, launched a new product platform and repositioned the company as a value-added solutions provider.

He has also held senior executive positions at major companies ranging from WATTS Industries (fluid control and HVAC), Schlumberger (water, gas and thermal energy) and Samsung Electronics (launching of the HVAC business).