Enter to win an iPad at Intersolar, July 14-16 in SF

Meet the APS team at Intersolar North America, July 14-16 in San Francisco.

Visit us at booth no. 8732, and enter to win a free iPad. The drawing will be held during the convention, so come by and sign up for your chance to win.

While you’re there, find out how APS leads the microinverter industry in quality, reliability and value, and why more installers are switching to APS microinverters for their residential and commercial customers. To set up a meeting during the conference, email sales@apsamerica.com.

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Solar carports help Fresno country club get on the green

Broad, flat, and just as suited to soaking up sunlight as shading whatever’s underneath, carports have emerged as popular platforms for solar arrays.

You might think of them as the logical evolution of ground-mount PV systems: taller, and dual purpose.

For members of the Fort Washington Golf and Country Club in Fresno, Calif., shaded parking is a welcome side-benefit of an ambitious new solar program.

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Hogi Selling IV, Valley Unique Electric/Solar Universe president, and Fort Washington Country Club’s new solar carports in Fresno, Calif.

The club recently added six solar carports next to its driving range, the largest offering about 20,000 square feet of productive roof space.

Throw in an existing shed now covered with modules, and the new array totals 36,000 square feet –- about eight-tenths of an acre of glistening solar.

The 529kW system supports the power needs of the Fort Washington clubhouse and operations across the sprawling 18-hole layout.

“This is really forward thinking on the part of the club board,” said Dan Stockton, a retired college football coach and longtime Fort Washington member. “I hope some of the other area clubs will take a look at what we’ve done. It’s a good deal.”

The system was designed and installed by Solar Universe, the PV arm of longtime Fresno contractor Valley Unique Electrical. The company has offered electrical services and industrial-commercial construction management in the Central Valley, Bay Area, Nevada and Central Coast markets across four continuous generations dating back to 1924.

The country club first considered a simple ground-mount array, but Hogi Selling IV, Valley Unique Electrical president and six-year club member, steered the club board toward an advanced carport system through a design-build contract.

The elevated array preserves aesthetics on the picturesque course, an oasis of rolling fairways and swaying palms and eucalyptus trees in the burning San Joaquin Valley.

“The project itself is difficult, but we’re well versed in putting carports up with solar,” Selling said. “The measure of success for us is obviously leaving the end user with what we said we would provide them with, and as long as the energy bills come back annually based on our proposal, everything’s good.”

Designer Jared Paniagua chose SunEdison modules and APS YC1000 microinverters for the 3-phase system. Across the seven rooftops, 429 APS microinverters serve nearly 1,700 modules.

Paniagua also used APS 3-phase microinverters for a recent 85kW ground-mount system powering agricultural pumps at a Fresno-area dairy.

“We use APS religiously on all our commercial projects,” Paniagua said. “(The competing brand’s) trunk cable is very expensive, their splice kits get very expensive, and the one-to-one microinverter-to-module ratio drives costs up. Whereas with the YC1000 and its 1:4 ratio, that’s a real advantage.”

The Fort Washington Country Club solar carport project used APsystems YC1000 3-phase microinverters. The 529 kW system used 429 APsystems microinverters to serve 1,760 SunEdison 320W modules.

The Fort Washington Country Club solar carport project used APS YC1000 3-phase microinverters. The 529 kW system used 429 APS microinverters to serve 1,760 SunEdison 320W modules.

The Fort Washington project reflects a strong market for commercial and carport installations in the Fresno area.

Value Unique Electric/Solar Universe offers solar carports as an integrated package, and Paniagua has designed installations ranging in scale from 25kW to 2 megawatts.

“It’s easier to install on something designed for the extra weight and size of the PV system than to retrofit,” he said. “The designs vary based on the engineer and contractor erecting the structure. It’s a fairly simple process and one that works well for us.”

 

 It’s all in the swing

Founded in 1923, Fort Washington Golf and Country Club is the oldest private course in the Fresno area.

Membership is currently topped out at the club capacity of 425, “with more people kicking to get in,” said Larry Wapner, club president and 30-year member.

The club has produced top-flight golfers familiar to any follower of the professional circuit. Fred Couples and Mark O’Meara both earned their tour cards on the course, renowned for its challenging hilly layout.

“You wouldn’t think we’d have hills in Fresno, but there are a lot of hills back there,” said Bob Fries, a club member since 1969 who, at age 85, is still considered to have the best swing among a group of retired Fresno City College athletics coaches who frequent the course.

On a recent morning, unfazed by the clatter of carport construction over his shoulder, Fries launched one ball after another down the range, each shot straight and true.

“It doesn’t take muscle,” Fries said, smiling, as his buddies looked on with respect. “I haven’t got any muscle left.”

Adding solar to the popular course had been in discussion for about three years, Wapner said, before Valley Unique Electric/Solar Universe produced the winning design and bid.

The issue was decided by a vote of the club membership, who would have to assess themselves to cover the cost. Support was overwhelming.

Dan Stockton, Len Bourdet and Bob Fries, all longtime Fort Washington Country Club members, meet at the driving range several times a week. The club’s new solar carports (in the background) offer shaded parking while generating power for the club.

Dan Stockton, Len Bourdet and Bob Fries, all longtime Fort Washington Country Club members, meet at the driving range several times a week. The club’s new solar carports (in the background) offer shaded parking while generating power for the club.

“It’s just a big plus,” Wapner said, looking ahead to the dramatic savings in energy costs projected by designer/installer Valley Unique Electric. “In six to 10 years, it’s going to put us in great financial shape, and that’s why we did it. It’s for the future.”

As a bonus, more than 80 parking spaces are now shaded from the punishing valley sun. Club members previously dueled over the handful of spaces shaded by trees, but then had to contend with pitch and debris on their vehicles.

Now they duel for the coveted carport spots.

“If you take a look at the parking we have today, the available spots are all in the sun,” Wapner said. “We expected that. The good thing is we were able to afford to build a (solar) structure that works as a carport. Now we’ve definitely got shade from the sun and exposure to weather.”

Project: Fort Washington Country Club
Location: Fresno, Calif.
Designer/installer: Valley Unique Electric/Solar Universe
Modules: SunEdison 320W
No. of modules: 1,760
Microinverters: APS YC1000 true 3-phase
No. of microinverters: 429
System capacity: 529 kW

Information: www.valleyunique.com, www.fortwashingtoncc.org

Midwest distributor AFP Power to carry APS solar microinverter line

apsystems-AFPAFP Power solar distributors will carry the APS microinverter line exclusively, in a new partnership between the companies.

St. Louis, Mo.-based AFP (American Family Place) Power was founded in 2013 with a mission of supplying quality solar products sourced from Tier 1 (greater than 300MW) supply chains from the USA, China, Germany, Japan and Taiwan.

The company offers a variety of high-quality solar product and integrated solutions, for applications ranging from rooftop to off-grid and marine use.

Complete installation kits featuring APS microinverter products will be offered through the company’s distribution website, www.afp-power.com.

“Our customers will be impressed by the value APS microinverters offer versus other brands,” said Willis He, AFP Power president. “The price per watt is significantly lower, as are balance of system costs. And with their remarkable ease of installation, APS offers a truly ‘plug and power’ solution.”

AFP Power founder He is well known throughout the U.S. and international solar industry. He previously served as CEO of China Sunenergy’s North American operations, and is a former Solar Energy Industries Association board member. He has also held an executive post with MEMC/SunEdison.

Thomas Nelson, APS USA Vice President of Sales, welcomed AFP Power to the APS microinverter distribution network.

“AFP Power is in the vanguard among outstanding low-cost solar distributors,” Nelson said. “Like APS, they’re driven by a commitment to a greener world and making solar technology available to consumers across the spectrum.”

APS flagship products include the YC500, a powerful dual-module microinverter, and the YC1000 true 3-phase unit, purpose-designed for commercial applications and offering an unprecedented 1:4 microinverter-to-module ratio.

APS was founded in Silicon Valley in 2009, and is now a global leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of microinverters based on their own proven, leading-edge solar technology. APS USA, representing APS in the U.S. market, is based in Seattle.

APS ranked No. 2 in global market share among top microinverter suppliers by shipment in 2013 (source: GTM Research).

For information on AFP Power solar distribution and services, see www.afp-power.com.

For information on APS microinverter products, see www.usa.apsystems.com.

A+ Rewards rebates EXTENDED through June

Our A+ Rewards installer rebate program has proved so popular, we’re extending the rebate period through the end of June. That gives participating installers an extra month to earn cash back for purchasing APS microinverters.

That’s right – every APS YC500 microinverter you purchase from a qualifying distributor through June 30, 2015, will earn you $10 back from APS. Show proof of purchase through the rebate website, and APS will send you a Visa® Gift Card with $10 value added for every microinverter purchased during the period. Full terms and conditions of the rebate program are available at www.aplus-rewards.com

If you’re not currently part of A+ Rewards, find out about our next rebate promotion by emailing aplus@apsamerica.com.

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Gigawatt joins APS microinverter distribution network

apsystems-gigawattLeading solar provider Gigawatt will distribute the APS line of advanced microinverter products, in a first-time partnership between the two companies.

Placentia, Calif.-based Gigawatt is a full-service solar provider offering PV system design, financing and installation for residential and commercial customers.

The company distributes solar products through its www.GoGreenSolar.com website.

Deep Patel, Gigawatt CEO, hailed the agreement that brings the APS microinverter line to Gigawatt’s portfolio of top-quality solar offerings.

“APS has emerged from the solar pack with forward-thinking and popular microinverter products,” Patel said. “Their line is an excellent addition to our distribution channel. Our customers will find them reliable and easy to work with.”

Since its inception in 2006, Gigawatt has served customers worldwide including the U.S. Department of Defense, the Federal Aviation Administration, the United States Marine Corps., and the City of Los Angeles.

The company has also introduced its own line of innovative solar products, including the SunJack portable solar charger; the SunPole distributed solar power plant; and the SunShelter grid-tied solar bus kiosk, among others.

Thomas Nelson, APS USA Vice President of Sales, said the two companies are driven by the same goals and values in the solar marketplace.

“Gigawatt shares our commitment to technology innovation,” Nelson said. “Like APS, they’re bringing new and groundbreaking solar products to market in an array of applications and competitive price points. We’re glad to partner with them on distribution and service.”

APs flagship products include the YC500, a powerful dual-module microinverter, and the YC1000 true 3-phase unit, purpose-designed for commercial applications and offering an unprecedented 1:4 microinverter-to-module ratio to significantly lower BOS costs.

Both units will be offered by Gigawatt through its distribution network.

APS was founded in Silicon Valley in 2009, and is now a global leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of microinverters based on their own proven, leading-edge solar technology. APS USA, representing APS in the U.S. market, is based in Seattle.

APS ranked No. 2 in global market share among top microinverter suppliers by shipment in 2013 (source: GTM Research).

For information on Gigawatt solar distribution and services, see www.GoGreenSolar.com and www.gigawattinc.com.

For information on APS microinverter products, see www.usa.apsystems.com.

The PowerStore adds APS solar microinverter line

APS microinverters will be distributed by The PowerStore, a top-tier solar wholesaler.

The PowerStore offers a full line of renewable energy products including solar microinverters, modules, storage solutions and related equipment.

The company is based in Alvarado, Texas, with an overseas office in Glasgow, UK, under the CCL Components Ltd. banner.

apsystems-tps“We are very excited about the opportunity of adding the APS microinverters to our current portfolio,” said Jim White, The PowerStore president. “They give our customers a very good option for individual module power optimization, along with inherently complying with the upcoming NEC 2014 Rapid Shutdown requirements.”

White founded The PowerStore in 2010 after more than 30 years in the power electronics industry, with experience ranging from initial design and manufacture to supplying some of the world’s largest OEM companies.

The PowerStore is now a Tier 1 direct Authorized Distributor for most of the leading solar manufacturers. The company maintains U.S. offices in Texas and North Carolina, and supplies customers throughout North and Central America.

The customer-focused distributor gives priority service to every account regardless of size, White said, and advises customers throughout the process from initial solar product specification to successful installation.

Paul Barlock, APS America Senior Vice President, welcomed The PowerStore to the APS distribution fold.

“The PowerStore has established a high profile among solar distributors in a short time,” Barlock said. “They’re a professional outfit, and aligned with our own commitment to offering the best solar solutions at competitive pricing.”

APS flagship products include the YC500, a powerful dual-module microinverter, and the YC1000 true 3-phase unit, purpose-designed for commercial applications and offering an unprecedented 1:4 microinverter-to-module ratio to significantly lower BOS costs.

For information on The PowerStore solar distributors, see www.thepowerstore.com.

The PowerStore brings APS microinverter installation training to Texas

apsystems-tpsAPS and The PowerStore will offer training in microinverter installation and setup for Texas installers in June.

It’s the first event of its kind in Texas, and marks the recent distribution agreement between APS, the world’s No. 2 microinverter supplier by shipments, and top-tier solar distributor The PowerStore.

The training event runs 8:30 to 1 p.m. June 30 at the The PowerStore’s, Alvarado, Texas, sales center, East FM917, Suite A.

The presentation will include APS microinverter system design, tools of the trade, monitoring setup, and hands-on training with the advanced YC500 and YC1000 microinverters.

Participants will learn how the powerful APS microinverter solution is quicker and easier to install, and can save thousands of dollars in installation costs.

Earn three NABCEP recurring education credit hours for participating, with prizes and promotions sponsored by APsystems.

A continental breakfast and luncheon are included in the event.

To sign up, contact The PowerStore at (888) 244-2979. Email support@apsamerica.com for more information.

APS, Western Nevada Supply team up for microinverter installation training

apsystems-WNSAPS and Western Nevada Supply are teaming up to offer training in microinverter installation and setup for area installers.

Let the world’s No. 2 microinverter supplier show you how APS microinverter products are quicker to install and can save you thousands of dollars.

The training event runs 8:30 to 1 p.m. June 3 at the WNS Blue Team’s Sparks, Nev., sales center, 950 S. Rock Boulevard.

The presentation will include APS microinverter system design, tools of the trade, monitoring setup, and hands-on training with the YC500 and YC1000 microinverters.

Earn three NABCEP credit for participating, with prizes and promotions sponsored by APS.

A continental breakfast and luncheon are included in the event.

To sign up, contact Western Nevada Supply at (800) 648-1230.

Email support@apsamerica.com for more information.

Your chance to win $500

Are you an installer, contractor or distributor? Do you use, specify, purchase, market or install solar inverter products? Take five minutes to complete this survey, and you will be eligible to win a $500 Visa® gift card.

It’s this easy: By answering all questions in the short survey below, you’ll help us better understand customer needs and improve our products and services. The survey is completely anonymous, and any personal information is only gathered for prize notification purposes.  Survey closes 5/22.

To thank you for participating, we’ll enter you in a drawing for our prize – a Visa® gift card valued at $500.

 

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TAKE THE SURVEY

Community solar project hits 50kW with APS microinverters

Demand for shares in an eastern Washington community solar installation was so strong, sponsoring utility Inland Power & Light boosted capacity with a second array.

The project’s second phase, completed in late March, added a 20 kW ground-mount array to the existing 30 kW array that went into service last fall

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The arrays are powered by APS YC500 microinverters, distributed by Blue Frog Solar of Poulsbo, Wash. Installation was by Brimma Solar of Seattle.A member-owned utility, Inland Power made units in the solar installation available to its ratepayers through a lottery.

“The project sold out immediately,” said John Francisco, chief of energy resources for Inland Power.

Unit holders will get credit for their portion of the array’s power production, along with a pro rata rebate from the state under Washington’s Renewable Energy Cost Recovery program.

Inland Power & Light serves about 39,000 residential and commercial customers in 13 counties in eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Founded in 1937, it is the largest electric cooperative in Washington.

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