APS Microinverters meet CEC requirements of IEC 62109-1 and IEC 62109-2

/in , /by

APS Microinverters fully comply with new requirements for safety and quality that will go into effect in Australia in 2015.

Module-level power electronics must be certified to meet IEC 62109-1 and IEC 62109-2 after July of this year, according to the Clean Energy Council of Australia and the SAA Approvals testing laboratories.

APS Microinverter products have been certified to meet the CEC standards since August 2013, the first microinverter products to meet the rigorous Australian requirements.

IEC 62109-1 and IEC 62109-2 certification governs inverters used in photovoltaic systems to ensure uniform technical standards and appropriate safety benchmarks. The codes define the minimum requirements for product design and manufacture for protection against electric shock, energy, fire, mechanical and other hazards.

Australia is a key market for APS globally. All APS Microinverters are engineered and manufactured to the highest standards of safety and reliability, and APS will spare no effort to maintain the quality of products and services to ensure Australia’s green energy development.

World’s largest true 3-phase microinverter installation powered by APS YC1000

/in , /by

The groundbreaking YC1000 microinverter from APS will power a milestone true 3-phase installation going into service in China’s Zhejiang Province this week.

More than 1.4 MW of the total 8.13 MW project will be generated using APS Microinverter technology – earning it distinction as the world’s largest true 3-phase microinverter installation.

The project at the Haining Hailide Jianshan factory began development four weeks ago, and is planned to join China’s national power grid on Dec. 30.

The installation includes 1,200 APS YC1000 microinverters. Now available in all APS markets worldwide, the YC1000 is the industry’s first true 3-phase microinverter and handles up to four modules per unit, simplifying PV system design and installation while significantly lowering balance of system costs.

The YC1000’s balanced 3-phase output features a low-voltage, parallel circuit design, promoting system safety by negating the possibility of “arc fires” from high-voltage current.

Independent output and tracking optimizes the performance of each PV module while minimizing shading effects across the whole array.

APS Microinverter technology increases array output by 5-25 percent compared to conventional “string” inverter systems.

Using the integrated APS Energy Communication Unit (ECU), Haining system managers will be able to track power output, voltage, current, temperature and other performance data of every module in the array.

The completed project will provide approximately 8.14 million kWh of energy per year, saving nearly 3,000 tons of coal while reducing CO2 admissions by more than 700 tons. Over the plant’s projected 25-year lifespan, the reduction in coal use and carbon and sulfur dioxide emissions will be multiplied many times over.

The year 2014 has marked the first widespread development of distributed PV power throughout China, an effort vigorously promoted by the Chinese government.

The electricity generated by the Haining system promises a strong economic return for investors, powering the factory even as it protects the local environment and promotes APS 3-phase microinverter technology in the robust China market and worldwide.

APS Australian partner ZEN hits system monitoring milestone

/in /by
APS partner ZEN Energy Systems of Australia recently passed a milestone 1,500 PV systems registered for EMA monitoring.
The Energy Monitoring & Analysis software allows remote analysis of PV systems outfitted with APS Microinverters.logo-systemsNetworked with the APS Communicator gateway, EMA relays the performance of individual PV modules to a database in real time. Performance analytics can then be accessed from any web-enabled device, allowing the system owner to monitor and optimize array output.ZEN Energy Systems was established in 2004 to develop innovative and sustainable energy technologies, and since that time has become one of Australia’s top renewable energy brands.

The company began installing APS Microinverters in its residential and commercial PV systems in March 2013, and is now one of APS’ biggest solar distribution partners.

Its largest installation to date is a 99kW array employing nearly 200 APS YC500 dual-module microinverters.

“We are glad to cooperate with APS for the technological precedence of the YC500,” said Richard Turner, ZEN Energy Systems CEO. “The microinverter system can really do an excellent job. Our clients are very satisfied with it. The quality and reliability of the products are quite good and are improved all the time.”

APS recently passed its own milestone of 10,000 PV systems worldwide registered for EMA monitoring.

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

APS Microinverters now offered by Albasolar, top-tier U.S and international wholesale distributor

/in , /by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

apsystems-alba-solar

November 13, 2014

Leading international distributor Albasolar has added APS Microinverters to their select PV product line.
The APS YC500 microinverter and related products are now available through Albasolar in the U.S., Spain and Portugal markets. Introduction of APS equipment to other European and Latin American solar markets through Albasolar channels will follow.

“APS is emerging as a dominant player in the microinverter space both here in the U.S. and abroad,” said Thomas Nelson, APS Vice President for Sales. “Albasolar’s multi-country presence gives us another key partner in the U.S., while this same channel allows us to expand internationally.”

Albasolar was founded in Europe in 1993. Always loyal to a pure wholesale distribution model, the company has supplied thousands of PV installations in Europe and North and South America.

The company’s industry experience means it can offer superior logistics and create strategic agreements with the industry’s leading manufacturers like APS. This allows Albasolar to offer best-in-class products at excellent prices.

“The microinverter is still a young product compared to string inverters, and APS has come to play a good role in the growth of this market,” said Alberto Medrano, CEO of Albasolar. “APS, with its 500-wattoutput model, will be a leader in this category.”

Albasolar’s U.S. operations are headquartered in Boston, Mass., and the company maintains additional offices and wholesale distribution centers in California, Florida, and across Europe.

APS product design positions the line for success in a growing number of international markets like those served by Albasolar.

APS Microinverters’ unique chip-based architecture allows each unit to be easily programmed to accommodate the various grid voltages found in different regional markets – a flexibility built into each APS unit and unmatched by other microinverter products.

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

For information on Albasolar, see www.albasolar.com

Information on APS Microinverter products can be found at www.apsamerica.com.

What happened in Vegas 
 changed the game!

/in , /by

APS would like to say THANK YOU to everyone who met with us at our Solar Power International ’14 booth. The show was a tremendous success, all thanks to your generous interest and support.

Our new YC1000 3-phase microinverter was a big hit throughout the show, and we established great new relationships with distributors that we’ll be announcing shortly. We’re grateful to have shared our exciting new technology and products with you all at this premier event.

Now we hope you’ll stay in touch with the APS sales and customer service teams to learn more about the YC1000 3-phase, 277/480 unit and the rest of our microinverter line. Please don’t hesitate to call us for distribution and installation opportunities. After a strong year that brought APS technology to many new markets across the US, we’re looking forward to an even bigger 2015. We hope you’ll be a part of it.

Click here for detailed product information and technical data on our entire product line, as well as testimonials from our customers who have made APS their microinverter of choice. Take a moment to find out what APS Microinverters can do for you — and thank you again!

UK is A-OK with APS

/in , /by

APS took its advanced microinverter technology to British Isles recently for the Solar UK conference in Birmingham.

The event heralded APS ’ entry into the burgeoning European solar market. On display was the full product line, including our groundbreaking new YC1000 3-phase microinverter.

More than 200 exhibitors were on hand for what is billed as the No. 1 UK solar event. Thank you to all who came by our booth to see what APS has to offer!

Unknown

APS YC1000 offers unprecedented features

/in , /by

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  America. “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 to discuss specific installation and distribution opportunities.

New YC1000 microinverter from APS a groundbreaking 3-phase solution

/in , /by

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

/in , /by

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 ïŹrst 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 America. 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 APS Microinverter line alongside the highly successful YC500, a two-module, dual-MPPT unit for residential applications and the company’s ïŹ‚agship 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 , /by

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.

Unknown-4