When owners decided to renovate a shopping center on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, their plans didn’t stop at the ceiling.
The expansive open rooftops at the multi-building complex offered perfect platforms for a new solar system to take advantage of the islands’ famous sunshine.
The 30-year-old shopping center on the Kamehameha Highway is an important commercial hub for the community, anchored by mainstays including Ross Dress For Less, 24-Hour Fitness and Foodland groceries. The center also offers an array of professional and financial services, popular retail outlets and eateries.
The project has become an ambitious proving ground for commercial solar power, and for APS microinverter technology – in terms of scale, and also because of Oahu’s nonstandard power grid voltages.
Three-quarters of the project operates at 277V AC, significantly higher than the 208V three-phase systems and 240V residential voltages standard in the continental US.
APS microinverters’ chip-based architecture allowed each unit to be specially programmed to easily accommodate the higher grid voltage – a flexibility built into each APS unit and unmatched by any other microinverter in the market.
“We’re the only microinverter that would work here,” said Tommy VanCleave, technical support manager for APS America. “We offered a technical solution that made this installation possible.”
In terms of scale, it is by far the largest domestic application of APS microinverter technology.
The system includes 3,046 PV panels by ReneSola, each offering up to 305W power output. The panel array is served by 1,523 APS YC500 dual-MPPT microinverters –- one for every two panels, representing significant cost savings and installation ease over other alternatives.
The proprietary APS microinverter design was also ideally matched to the large, 305-watt PV modules, and the greater AC output offered investors a significant ROI advantage over other inverters on the market.
Total system capacity is 929 kW, supporting the shopping center’s operations and putting power back into the local grid. Mall patrons are benefiting from Hawaii’s most abundant resource: the sun.
The project is now roughly 80 percent complete, with all 277V systems and one of two smaller 208V rooftop arrays now producing power.
The APS Energy Communication Unit software will provide real-time graphical monitoring of each rooftop system and individual PV modules within each array.
The early returns are strong — the system is actually outproducing the agreement between the shopping center and Pacific Power Renewables, putting more energy back into the system than originally envisioned.
“Overproduction – that’s great,” VanCleave said.
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Clean Energy Distribution to offer APS microinverter line in Colorado market
/in General News, Press Releases/by APsystems TeamFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2014
SEATTLE — APS microinverters have entered the Colorado and greater mountain regional market through a new partnership with Denver-based Clean Energy Distribution.
It marks the latest in a series of pacts with leading distributors for APS this year, bringing the company’s line of advanced microinverter products to solar consumers throughout the American market.
“Colorado residents are fiercely protective of their environment, and their dedication to solar is a source of pride,” said Michael Ludgate, vice president of business development for APS America. “Being welcomed into this forward-thinking market by a top-line distributor like Clean Energy is another great endorsement for our solar line. Clean Energy put us through real market tests, and we came out on top.”
Jesse Stubbs, CEO for Clean Energy Distribution, said his company was drawn to APS microinverter products for their reputation for innovation, capability and technical support.
“APS offers the most advanced microinverters on the market today, so adding them to our product offerings is a natural,” Stubbs said. “Our installers and end customers will be impressed by the power and reliability the APS solution brings to their solar systems.”
Clean Energy Distribution is a master supplier of solar products in the Colorado market and shipping worldwide. The company has professional talent in solar distributing, large manufacturing companies and solar integration, to provide the best alternative-energy distributing site in America.
Clean Energy Distribution strives to provide customers with excellent service by having live representatives ready to offer support at all times, as well as an online chat through its website for customers’ convenience.
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 proprietary, leading-edge solar technology. APS America, representing APS in the US market, is based near Seattle, Washington.
Recent major distribution deals have brought the APS product line to the Southwest, central California and Eastern Seaboard markets, among others.
APS ranked No. 2 in global market share among leading microinverter suppliers by shipments in 2013 (source: GTM Research).
For more information on Clean Energy Distribution, see www.cleanenergydistribution.com.
Information on APS microinverter products can be found at www.usa.apsystems.com.
New YC1000 microinverter from APS a groundbreaking 3-phase solution
/in General News, Guest Columns/by APsystems TeamFour modules. One microinverter. Do the math.
APS is out in front of the commercial solar market with the YC1000, our native 3-phase/4-module, 277/480 microinverter
Everyone agrees that commercial is the next great frontier in solar, the market segment with the greatest consumer need and the greatest potential for growth.
The question has been, who would step up with the vision and innovation to show the solar industry the way forward.
Our new YC1000 microinverter enters the domestic market as the game-changer that commercial solar has been waiting for. System designers, installers and consumers are ready for our native 3-phase/4-module, 277/480 microinverter specifically designed for large-scale commercial applications.
Consider the YC1000 advantages:
— Only 1 microinverter needed for 4 PV modules: APS was already first to market with an innovative (and still unmatched) two-module microinverter for residential applications. Now we’ve shifted the paradigm again: the YC1000 simplifies commercial system design and installation with an unprecedented 1:4 microinverter-to-module ratio. That’s a huge advantage for commercial-scale installations that run into the hundreds or thousands of units.
— Significantly lower cost: The YC1000 enters the domestic market as the clear favorite in price-per-watt, both in up-front and balance-of-system costs.
— Proven technology: Our YC1000 technology has already proven itself on two continents, with a 250 kW installation already in service and a 1.7 MW system nearing construction – proof of concept on a dramatic scale.
You’ll be hearing a lot of talk around the industry about how to make commercial solar work at scale. We all see the same need. But only the APS YC1000 offers a truly forward-thinking solution for demanding, large-scale rooftop applications while increasing energy harvest, improving project ROI and controlling capital costs.
APS had the vision to develop game-changing technology to expand the market: a powerful, native 3-phase microinverter designed and engineered from the ground up for commercial applications.
The solar future belongs to the innovators, and the innovator is APS. See the YC1000 for yourself at Solar Power International ’14 in Las Vegas, Oct. 20-23.
Michael Ludgate is vice president of business development for APS America. Reach him at michael.ludgate@apsamerica.com.
APS now shipping new YC1000 microinverter, a groundbreaking 277/480, 3-phase unit for large-scale commercial applications
/in General News, Press Releases/by APsystems TeamFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2014
The YC1000 is the industry’s first true 3-phase solar microinverter, handling 277/480 grid voltages with 900 watts maximum output, ZigBee communication and an integrated ground.
Up to 11 units (44 modules total, 60- or 72-cell) can be linked in a single 15A circuit.
The groundbreaking unit is offered at a price point competitive with conventional “string” inverters, and is now available through the APS network of distributors and installers. Contact sales@apsamerica.com for information.
“The YC1000 is an innovative technology leap,” said Paul Barlock, APS USA senior vice president. “With native 3-phase capability in a microinverter package, large-scale commercial customers now have a significantly better solution for distributed rooftop solar. The YC1000 is a game changer.”
Handling up to four PV modules per unit, the YC1000 microinverter offers 3-phase AC distribution designed to meet demanding commercial applications.
Its proprietary, chip-based architecture was conceived and designed in the USA by APS engineers. Domestic rollout follows rigorous, successful testing in large solar installations overseas.
APS will showcase the YC1000 at booth no. 3124 at the SPI conference. Email sales@apsamerica.com to see the YC1000 microinverter firsthand and discuss specific project or distribution opportunities during the event.
The YC1000 enters the APSmicroinverter line alongside the highly successful YC500, a two-module, dual-MPPT unit for residential applications and the company’s flagship product.
All APS microinverters are designed for integration with the APS Monitor to provide real-time data viewing, or the APS Communicator (performance data module) to offer comprehensive solar array performance monitoring from any web-enabled device.
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 proprietary, leading-edge solar technology. APS America, representing APS in the US market, is based near Seattle.
APS ranked No. 2 in global market share among top microinverter suppliers by shipments in 2013 (source: GTM Research).
For information on the YC1000 or other exclusive solar microinverter products, contact sales@apsamerica.com or 206-855-5100.
APS showcases leading-edge tech in Mexico City
/in Events, General News/by APsystems TeamAPS showed its global reach at the recent Green Expo in Mexico City.
Our microinverter technology was prominently displayed at the Global Resources Environmental and Energy Network convention, and our products were very well received.
APS microinverters’ ability to conform to varying grid voltages makes our technology ideally suited to this emerging solar market.
We’ve already made reservations for next year’s Green Expo, and we’ll be active in Mexico market in the year leading up to it.
Contact sales@apsamerica.com for distribution opportunities and other inquiries.
APS launches YC1000, industry’s first 3 phase, 4 panel microinverter at SPI 2014
/in Events, General News/by APsystems TeamWhat happens in Vegas … changes the solar industry. Email sales@apsamerica.com to set up a meeting with our sales team during SPI and this major event in solar microinverter technology. Datasheets and other information are available now at usa.apsystems.com.
See APS solar tech near and far – Oregon & Mexico City
/in Events, General News/by APsystems TeamAPS is proud to sponsor the upcoming Oregon Solar Energy Conference, Sept. 24-25 in Portland.
Presented by the Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association, the event is the Northwest region’s largest solar conference and will attract an array of professionals from all corners of the industry: manufacturing, installation, sales, project management and architecture, among other fields. We’ll have a display on the trade show floor Wednesday and Thursday, and be on hand for networking events throughout the conference.
Email sales@apsamerica.com to set up a meeting with Paul Barlock from our sales team, or come by the booth and see the APS advantage.
APS is also bringing our advanced microinverter technology to the Green Expo Exhibition & Congress, Sept. 24-26 in Mexico City.
New VP for Sales Thomas Nelson will represent APS at the Global Resources Environmental & Energy Network event, now in its 22nd year. The multinational forum draws exhibitors and buyers from all sectors of the sustainable resources industry.
Email thomas.nelson@apsamerica.com for a conference meet-up.
APS microinverters the only solution for Hawaii shopping center
/in Case Studies/by APsystems TeamWhen owners decided to renovate a shopping center on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, their plans didn’t stop at the ceiling.
The expansive open rooftops at the multi-building complex offered perfect platforms for a new solar system to take advantage of the islands’ famous sunshine.
The 30-year-old shopping center on the Kamehameha Highway is an important commercial hub for the community, anchored by mainstays including Ross Dress For Less, 24-Hour Fitness and Foodland groceries. The center also offers an array of professional and financial services, popular retail outlets and eateries.
The project has become an ambitious proving ground for commercial solar power, and for APS microinverter technology – in terms of scale, and also because of Oahu’s nonstandard power grid voltages.
Three-quarters of the project operates at 277V AC, significantly higher than the 208V three-phase systems and 240V residential voltages standard in the continental US.
APS microinverters’ chip-based architecture allowed each unit to be specially programmed to easily accommodate the higher grid voltage – a flexibility built into each APS unit and unmatched by any other microinverter in the market.
“We’re the only microinverter that would work here,” said Tommy VanCleave, technical support manager for APS America. “We offered a technical solution that made this installation possible.”
In terms of scale, it is by far the largest domestic application of APS microinverter technology.
The system includes 3,046 PV panels by ReneSola, each offering up to 305W power output. The panel array is served by 1,523 APS YC500 dual-MPPT microinverters –- one for every two panels, representing significant cost savings and installation ease over other alternatives.
The proprietary APS microinverter design was also ideally matched to the large, 305-watt PV modules, and the greater AC output offered investors a significant ROI advantage over other inverters on the market.
Total system capacity is 929 kW, supporting the shopping center’s operations and putting power back into the local grid. Mall patrons are benefiting from Hawaii’s most abundant resource: the sun.
The project is now roughly 80 percent complete, with all 277V systems and one of two smaller 208V rooftop arrays now producing power.
The APS Energy Communication Unit software will provide real-time graphical monitoring of each rooftop system and individual PV modules within each array.
The early returns are strong — the system is actually outproducing the agreement between the shopping center and Pacific Power Renewables, putting more energy back into the system than originally envisioned.
“Overproduction – that’s great,” VanCleave said.
APS USA names Thomas Nelson new Vice President for Sales
/in General News, Press Releases/by APsystems TeamFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2014
SEATTLE — APS America, a global leader in solar microinverter technology, has hired Thomas Nelson as vice president for sales. He will also work with technical services and international support as collateral duties.
“Thomas brings to APS a depth of industry knowledge and technical expertise, and a long history in the power electronics marketplace,” said Paul Barlock, APS America senior vice president. “His addition to the senior sales staff will be a great asset to the growth of APS’ share in the solar microinverter market.”
He previously worked in the telecommunications industry, including management positions with American Power Conversion, Qualcomm and Verizon Wireless.
Nelson holds an MBA (international business) from Kennedy Western University and a BSAA (industrial management and technology) from Texas State University.
“The adoption of microinverters for use in residential and commercial solar installations is strong and APS is well positioned to become a global dominant force in this space.” Nelson said of APS. “Our current and next generation product offerings are in line to what the market is asking for today by providing an advanced technical solution at a lower LCOE.”
APS has been on an aggressive growth curve in 2014, completing significant distribution deals with leading suppliers in California, the Mountain States region, and the mid-Atlantic market. The company is poised to introduce the YC1000, the world’s first 3-phase, 4-panel microinverter for large commercial applications.
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 proprietary, leading-edge solar technology. APS America, representing APS in the US market, is based near Seattle.
The APS microinverter solution combines highly efficient power inversion with a user-friendly monitoring interface for reliable, intelligent energy. The proprietary system architecture increases solar harvest and ensures maximum output for solar arrays, and the company continues to develop new technologies and products for the marketplace.
APS ranked No. 2 in global market share among top microinverter suppliers by shipments in 2013. (Source: GTM Research)
Grow Community installation featuring APS microinverters announced as award finalist by Solar Builder Magazine
/in General News/by APsystems TeamGrow was nominated in the Roof-Mount installation category. The annual contest honors innovative applications of solar technology in residential and commercial settings.
Grow Community, is already the largest planned solar community in Washington state. The award-winning community has been designed around the idea that homes should produce all the energy their residents would need (net-zero impact) while capturing the financial benefits that come with producing renewable energy.
The 112kW (and growing) solar component is powered by Made-In-Washington equipment including PV modules by itek Energy of Bellingham and microinverters by Blue Frog/APS of Poulsbo/Bainbridge Island. Installation is by A&R Solar of Seattle, with solar financing by Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union.
The winning project will be featured on the cover of the next issue of Solar Builder magazine, and will be honored at a special ceremony at the Solar Power International convention in Las Vegas, Oct. 20-23.
VOTE FOR GROW HERE!
APS distributor Blue Frog Solar featured on local business journal
/in General News, Press Coverage/by APsystems TeamAPS distributor Blue Frog Solar of Poulsbo, WA, and its Simple Solar program got some great press this week with an in-depth feature in the Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal.
The KPBJ gives a comprehensive look at the incentives that make Washington solar such a great deal — and Simple Solar, which makes it easier than ever to make the move to energy self-sufficiency. It’s a great move for both existing homes and new construction.
As the Business Journal notes:
Blue Frog is collaborating on the largest residential solar project in Kitsap County — Bainbridge Island’s Grow Community, a project of real estate development and investment firm Asani. It’s an example of effectively designing and building homes to accommodate rooftop solar panels.
“We knew from the outset that our goal was to create a net-zero community using solar,” says Marja Preston, senior director of development at Asani and owner of a solar home at Grow. “So everything there was designed, including the apartments, so we could get enough solar panels on the roof to provide all the energy needed for the homeowner.”
Blue Frog’s Simple Solar program and partner installer A&R Solar of Seattle count on advanced microinverter technology from APS in all installations — including Grow Community, now the largest planed solar development in Washington state.
Read the whole story here.