A Bright Energy Future – Solar and its growth in Washington State

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AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MEDIAPLANET TO THE SEATTLE TIMES
October 1st, 2013

Washington home and business owners are “going solar” in record numbers and our local industry is powering the boom. Considered these facts:

  • Installation of solar energy systems in Washington homes and businesses is nearly doubling every year.
  • Solar panel manufacturing output in our state has increased six-fold over the past 24 months, driving down the cost for customers.

With some of the most progressive incentives in the nation, the return on investment for Washington residents today is real and substantial. Working together, our state has made solar a smart buy.

How smart? Residential and commercial property owners with a “Made in Washington” solar array may be eligible for a check of up to $5,000 per year for the power their panels put into the grid, while at the same time their power bill is reduced by the amount of power they produce. There’s a federal tax incentive as well ― put a new solar array onto your home and you may qualify for a credit of up to 30 percent of the cost from Uncle Sam. That’s not a deduction from taxable income, it’s a tax credit ― same as cash. And installation of solar systems in Washington is exempt from sales and use taxes, sweetening the deal for buyers.

With the incentives in place today, a new solar system can pay for itself in seven years of less. After that, all the power you generate goes into your pocket.

That’s a great investment for consumers, but there’s a larger benefit for our Washington economy: local jobs. The boom in demand has driven the production of solar panels and related equipment by Washington manufacturers to record levels, while professional installers in our local communities are finding new customers every day. All across the industry, those are green jobs building a greener Washington. That’s innovation!

And don’t let those could days put you off ― solar panels are more efficient in cool climates like our own. A panel in Seattle produces 90 percent of the power of one in Miami.

Kelly Samson
APS America

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Adon Solar – the largest APS America customer in Hawaii

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Adon Solar has become the largest APS America customer in Hawaii. Using our YC500A-H microinverters for residential lease programs, they are the first to take full advantage of the impressive features of this product.

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APS America sends out first container shipment of YC500A-H inverters to Hawaii

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APS America has added Hawaii to its list of regional deployment for the YC500A-H microinverters. First shipments started going to Hawaii in December 2012 and have been ramping up since then. APS America sent out its first container load of YC500A-H microinverters to Hawaii today. New customers are largely developers who recognize the value of the dual panel configuration of the YC500A-H and the labor savings of the installation. The microinverters shipped to Hawaii are programmed to meet the HECO Rule 14 requirements for output frequency.

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APS Microinverter is UL approved

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The APS Microinverter YC200-NA received the American UL certificate on December 8th, 2011.  Having already received the CQC, TUV and SAA certificates, this latest international recognition marks an important milestone approving the APS Microinverter for the North American solar power market.

APS establishes “100 Schools Solar Roof Program”

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Recently, APS established the “100 Schools Solar Roof Program” in Jiaxing, installing PV systems with APS Microinverters on Jiaxing’s Shiyan primary school and Jiaxing’s San Shui Wan primary school. Because APS Microinverters were used, the PV system was quickly and easily installed, and the installation did not disrupt classes. The system emits no high-voltage DC electricity, guaranteeing the students’ safety. The Energy Monitor and Analysis (EMA) System developed by APS combines two functions: PV system monitoring and student education. Students experience how modern science and technology can change their lives, including how to lower their carbon emissions and protect the environment. It is our hope that this project be carried out at many other schools in Jiaxing.

APS launches its second-generation microinverter

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APS ’ newest microinverter, model YC-250, will have peak efficiency of up to 95.5%, a minimum operating voltage of 16V, a maximum operating voltage of 55V, increased energy gain, and be more widely applicable. The YC-250 is 40% smaller and 40% lighter than APS ‘soriginal microinverter.The newest Energy Control Unit, ECU-3, will host a local connection, include wired Internet access, and have optional general packet radio service (GPRS) connectivity. Each microinverter can be monitored through a wired or wireless Internet or GPRS connection. APS unveiled its new AC BUS cable, a continuous cable with pre-installed cable branches connected to APS Microinverters. This creates a PV system with no single point of failure. To replace or add a microinverter, simply unplug the AC cables for a convenient, cost-effective solution. APS will keep pace with the inverter industry and continue to launch new products to meet market and consumer demands.

APS Microinverters enter Australian market

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The APS  Australia office was recently opened. Responsible for the sales and marketing of APS products to the Australia market, the office will also provide technical support to local customers. APS has installed three microinverter PV systems in Australia, which has created local interest in APS’s product. APS intends to ship the first 1,000 microinverters to Australia by the end of 2011. In 2012, the company is expected to achieve its goal of installing 30,000 microinverters in Australia.