The APsystems microinverter converts the power output of a solar module from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), maximizing the electric power output of each module in a solar array. Unlike a conventional “string” inverter (which runs the output of many solar modules through a single inverter), the APsystems microinverter allows each module in the solar array to perform independently, optimizing the whole system’s power output.

The APsystems microinverter solution has three key components:

• The APsystems microinverter performs DC to AC power conversion for individual PV modules.
• The APsystems Communicator (Energy Communication Unit, or ECU) collects module performance data and sends it to an internet database.
• The APsystems Monitor (Energy Monitoring and Analysis, or EMA) software allows around-the-clock management of the solar array through any web-enabled device, like a home computer or smartphone.

Because it is an integrated system, the APsystems microinverter solution maximizes the system’s solar energy harvest; increases system reliability; simplifies PV system design, installation, maintenance and management; and improves installer and owner safety.

The APsystems microinverter will operate in standalone mode without connecting to either the ECU or the EMA, and also works with the ECU alone. However, to allow full web analysis, the ECU must be connected to and logged into the EMA.

Click here to visit APsystems support site that contains information on the resources and process installers need to know to install and register APsystems microinverters.

The AC Bus Cable and the End Cap.

Contact us here

APsystems conducts training webinars every week from 8:00 a.m. PST to 10:00 a.m. PST. Go to our training page to select a webinar and register. Also, APsystems has a training video on the YC500 and ECU available here. Additionally, APsystems offers regional installer training through participating distributors. Visit the APsystems partner page here and contact an authorized APsystems distributor to find out when their next APsystems product training is.

The microinverter UID numbers have not yet been programmed into the ECU.

310 W

The proper AC Bus Cable “T” Connector spacing for panels installed in Portrait mode is 2 meters. The spacing is 4 meters for Landscape.

Installers can request an EMA account from APsystems by completing the form on the APsystems website here.

Potential causes may include poor power line communications, no web access or an incorrect ECU number input in the EMA.

A line communications filter is required. Contact APsystems for recommendations on line communications filters for your application.

300 feet.

85° Celsius.

Yes. Contact APsystems Technical Services for detailed instructions on embedding EMA system data in a webpage.

Daily, regardless of system status.

Select “Send Weekly Production Report” in your EMA account.

The password can be changed by the installer using their login or by the customer themselves. The password can also be reset by contacting APsystems Technical Services.

The microinverter stores two days of data while the ECU stores several months’ worth.

The wire size of the YC500A AC cable conductors is 12 AWG, and 14 AWG for the YC1000.

A flashing red light indicates the microinverter is not producing energy. A flashing green means the microinverter is producing energy.

Yes.

The installation map complete with microinverter UIDs, customer contact information and the ECU number.

Yes.

Up to 11 YC1000s can be installed per branch on a 480V system, or up to four on a 208V system.

After the inverters are mounted to the racking.

Yes for the iPhone and select Android devices.

192.168.131.228

The ECU is not communicating with the EMA server.

Every five minutes.

No action is required, the software updates automatically.

The UID number should be updated in the Installer/Distributor EMA account and on the ECU.

It indicates an inverter count mismatch.

The ECU registration is incomplete.

APsystems offers a limited 10-year warranty extendable to 25 years.

UL1741, IEEE1547, and CSA 22.2

This requirement is for direct current (DC) Arc-Fault Circuit protection and only applies to systems with DC voltages above 80 VDC. APsystems USA microinverter systems are exempted from this requirement as they always operate well below 80 VDC. The requirement is basically unchanged from the NEC 2011, and it is unnecessary to add DC AFCI to an APsystems USA microinverter system installation.

Solar electric PV systems with APsystems microinverters have one utility-interactive inverter directly connected with two solar modules (YC500), converting low-voltage DC to utility grid-compliant AC. When the utility grid is available and the sun is shining, each microinverter verifies that the utility grid is operating within the IEEE 1547 requirements. Only then does it export AC power into the electric service for use by loads onsite or export power to the utility grid for others to use.

When the utility grid has a failure, or the PV system AC circuits are disconnected from the utility service via an AC breaker, AC disconnect, or removal of the solar or main utility service meter, the microinverters stop producing AC power in fewer than six AC cycles.

APsystems microinverters are not capable of operating as an AC voltage source. This means that without an AC utility source, APsystems microinverters are not able to energize connected wiring and no AC voltage or current can be injected into the inverter output circuits or the grid. When the AC utility source is removed from the inverter output circuits via any means, such as an AC breaker, AC disconnect or removal of the solar or main utility service meter, this equipment performs the rapid shutdown function per 690.12. With an APsystems microinverter system, this shutdown occurs well within the 690.12-required 10 seconds, and there are no other conductors
energized more than 1.5 m (5 ft) in length inside a building or more
than 3 m (10 ft) from a PV array.