APS, Upsolar team up to offer complete financing and technology package for residential customers

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 27, 2014

SEATTLE —Global solar technology leaders APS and Upsolar are teaming up to offer a turnkey solar financing and installation package for residential customers.

The partnership unites high-quality PV modules from Upsolar and advanced microinverter technology from APS to maximize system output and accelerate homeowners’ return on investment.

The package is aimed at homeowners who want to capitalize on the many benefits of solar energy without the commitment of a long-term lease. Upsolar’s 20-year Energy Freedom Loan delivers the advantages of system ownership while overcoming the primary barrier to adoption – high upfront cost.

“As more and more homeowners elect to own their own PV systems, instead of locking into a long-term lease, now is the right time to offer an integrated technology and financing solution,” said Stephane Dufrenne, president of Upsolar America. “With APS America and our third-party financing, we are taking an important step towards simplifying and lowering costs of system ownership for residential customers.”

apsystems-UPsolarMichael Ludgate, vice president of business development for APS America, hailed the partnership as an outstanding fit between two emergent and complementary forces in the global solar market.

“Upsolar picked APS to partner with because of our unique microinverter solution, both in technology and cost,” Ludgate said. “The fact that this program allows anyone to own a solar system is a great option for any homeowner.”

The partnership reflects a recent trend in residential solar away from the leasing of solar equipment, in favor of loan options and direct ownership of PV systems. The trend is driven by the declining costs of solar components, including PV modules and inverters, bringing solar investment within reach for homeowners at all levels.

The integrated APS-Upsolar package also allows homeowners to take advantage of strong tax incentives offered by the federal government and many states for solar investment.

Since its founding in 2006, Upsolar has established itself as a leading international developer and producer of high-quality solar photovoltaic modules at competitive prices. The company’s expert team is deeply entrenched in both established and emerging PV markets to accelerate global solar energy adoption, with offices in Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas.

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 USA, representing APS in the US market, is based near Seattle. APS

ranked No. 2 in global market share among leading microinverter suppliers by shipments in 2013 (source: GTM Research).

For information, see www.upsolar.com or www.usa.apsystems.com.

APS YC1000 offers unprecedented features

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YC1000-closeup-webThe challenge: How to bring the advantages of microinverters to a commercial solar environment and be cost competitive in that market.

The solution took more than three years of research and development, but now it’s here: the YC1000 microinverter from APS.

The native 3-phase, 277/480 unit brings microinverters finally into the realm of large-scale commercial installations, with a groundbreaking approach to the technical challenges of these most demanding environments.

Simplicity of design: The YC1000 requires no extra equipment like transformers or optimizers, and no extra wiring. All needs are resolved within the unit’s native design.

Unprecedented cable management: The YC1000 revolutionizes trunk cabling with a new and innovative approach. There’s no need to branch cables or deal with the “landscape vs. portrait” complexity of a standard trunk cable system. These issues are solved by shifting the solution to the trunk cable itself.

Increased flexibility to add modules: The YC100 supports 4:1 and a 3:1 module-to-inverter ratios, so modules can be easily added for customized or space-limited projects.

Optimized monitoring and control: The YC1000 allows monitoring of individual modules, reducing shading issues and allowing more precise control of the whole PV array.

 Dr. Yuhao Luo, co-founder, vice president and chief technology officer for APS, began working toward these solutions in Silicon Valley based on his experience with PV systems in one of the world’s fastest-growing solar markets.

“Four years ago, there was no residential PV market in China,” he says. “All projects were 3-phase. We used a single-phase microinverter for those projects, but clearly a 3-phase microinverter would make those projects much easier in both design and installation.”

The YC1000 spent three years in design and development before rollout, and has been successfully deployed in installations in Australia, China and Africa.

It is now shipping to distributors across the US market.

Add up the technical breakthroughs – simplicity of design, revolutionized trunk cabling, outstanding flexibility, and optimized monitoring and control – and the YC1000 microinverter from APS represents distinct advantages and cost savings over every other microinverter solution on the market.

“This really is a gamechanger for commercial solar,” says Michael Ludgate, vice president for sales for APS USA. “We’ve shifted the paradigm again.”

See the groundbreaking YC1000 at SPI Las Vegas, Oct. 20-23. Visit the APS booth #3124, or email us sales@apsamerica.com to discuss specific installation and distribution opportunities.

APS microinverters featured in PV solutions by Next Generation Energy

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 15, 2014

SEATTLE —APS microinverters are now featured in pre-engineered kits and custom solar solutions by Next Generation Energy.

apsystems-ngeNGE is using the YC500 microinverter, APS’ flagship unit, in its own proprietary PV systems. Offering 500 watts maximum output at 95.5 percent peak efficiency, the APS units are ideal for the integrated solar products marketed by NGE.

The NGE integrated PV Solution Kits also include top-tier PV modules and fully flashed racking by Zilla.

NGE chose APS microinverters from among other brands for their leading-edge technology that handles two PV modules per unit with dual performance tracking and optimized power output.

“We are constantly seeking out new and innovative ways to extract the highest levels of power yield from the PV cells in our ready-to-go solar module systems,” said Bill Beedon, marketing and business development manager for NGE. “APS is leading the industry in solar microinverter innovations. Its revolutionary approach of individualized, maximized microinverters paired with its quality products and ease of installation is what separates it from the crowd.”

NGE will feature APS Microinverter products at its SPI booth no. 2052, Oct. 21-23 in Las Vegas.

nge-productThe strategic partnership with NGE is the latest in which APS’ microinverter technology is being integrated with proprietary solar solutions by leading manufacturers.

“APS offers the most advanced microinverter technology on the market, so no surprise it’s finding its way into more integrated solutions,” said Paul Barlock, APS senior vice president. “We’re pleased to partner with solar leaders like NGE to bring this technology to market in new and more creative applications.”

NGE also distributes APS microinverter products as standalone units for grid-tied and off-grid residential and commercial solar applications.
Lafayette, Colorado-based NGE was founded thirty years ago to create simple, globally applicable solutions for capturing and using the free energy of the sun. The company’s pre-engineered and custom-engineered solar solutions are simple, tightly integrated, and easy to use, even for the most complex solar installations.

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 leading microinverter suppliers by shipments in 2013 (source: GTM Research).

For more information on NGE integrated solar solutions, see www.ngeus.com.

Information on APS microinverter products can be found at www.usa.apsystems.com.

Clean Energy Distribution to offer APS microinverter line in Colorado market

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FOR 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.

apsystems-cleanenergyColorado is renowned as one of the nation’s most progressive states for solar, with an array of voter-approved, state and local incentives and benchmarks in place to promote alternative energy production. The state ranks third nationwide in terms of installed PV production capacity, with consumer interest and investment in solar at an all-time high.

“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

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Four 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.

APSYSTEMS-YC1000-4panels-side-smNow you know: APS.

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 30, 2014

APSYSTEMS-inverterSEATTLE — APS, a global leader in solar microinverter technology, will showcase its new YC1000 microinverter for the domestic market at Solar Power International, Oct. 20-23 in Las Vegas.

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

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APS 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.

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APS launches YC1000, industry’s first 3 phase, 4 panel microinverter at SPI 2014

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2014-SPI-APSBooth-sigAPS will bring its groundbreaking new microinverter, the YC1000, to SPI in Las Vegas, Oct. 21-23. Be the first to see this 3-phase, 4-panel unit for large-scale commercial applications.

APSYSTEMS-inverterWe’ll be at booth #3124 with the YC1000 on display and ready to order. Our microinverters will also be featured by tenKsolar at their SPI booth, #1439.

What 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

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APS 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.

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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.

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APS microinverters the only solution for Hawaii shopping center

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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.