Interview on DS3 in Easy Engineering Magazine

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Great interview and discussion on the new DS3 product line in Easy Engineering Magazine featuring our own Maxime Boiron!

Read the full article here: https://easyengineering.eu/interview-with-apsystems/

APsystems Photo Contest

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DS3 PHOTOS CONTEST EXTENDED UNTIL JUNE 30th ! COMPETITION OPEN TO PROFESSIONAL INSTALLERS USING THE DS3 MICROINVERTER.

PHOTO CONTEST FOR SOLAR PROFESSIONALS!

Submit the best photos of your installations with DS3 microinverters and get the chance to win € 500 in vouchers. Winners each month until June 30th, 2022.

Take part in the photography competition that APsystems is launching this winter. Stand out from competition with your DS3 micros in action! Get creative and you could win € 500.

Exclusively reserved for installers using our DS3 series of microinverters.

Share your best project with us – what sets it apart, from conception to commissioning. Is it an exceptional or original project? Is its roofing unique, complex, is the economic model supporting it innovative? Does the type of building that accommodates have particular constraints? Explain it to us and share the details of the project (using the form on the right), including a brief description of the installation. Be sure to include photos and close-ups that show our DS3 microinverters in action. Entries will be judged by the APsystems team.

Take this opportunity to not only try to win 500 € but also gain visibility through projects that will be showcased on our website and other communication platforms. Submit your application using the form on this page. If the photos are too large (> 5MB), we invite you to send them by shared transfer link or by email to emea@apsystems.com.

Please read the terms and conditions of the contest before entering. If you have any questions, you can use the form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. This competition is open all winter until the end of June 2022. For residential or commercial solar applications: submit your best photos of installations with DS3 microinverters and you could WIN € 500€.

Submit your images on this page.

Installer portrait in Poland : SunUp ( article published on www.gramwzielone.pl on November 8th)

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Having taken part in the rapid residential solar market growth in Poland over the last 2 years, APsystems is committed to continue providing innovative microinverter solutions perfectly suited to Polish residential and small-scale commercial demand and helping solar professionals differentiate from competition. The example of the installation company SunUp, based in the Silesian district in Poland, is a good illustration of how the solar installer landscape in Poland is currently evolving towards smarter AC microinverter-based solar solutions to enhance comprehensive services related to PV installations for its customers.  It is also a way to address consumer demand more proactively and propose a full energy efficiency solution approach that includes heat pumps together with solar and self-consumption for households .

SunUp background

Let’s take a closer look at SunUp… It all started with its founder, Michał Klimek, who gained extensive experience managing energy projects in Poland and abroad, in Malaysia, Iceland, the United States and Sweden, before setting up his own solar installation company SunUp in Poland in 2019.

Beyond the founder’s ecological awareness, the main trigger pushing Mr Klimek to set up SunUp was the opportunity offered by the utility companies and the Polish government to Polish people to cover most of their electricity needs with solar thanks to an annual billing mechanism reaching over 80% of the self-consumption rate, using the network as a virtual battery system throughout the year.

Two years later, and despite a sensitive period with the pandemic, SunUp boasts over 60 residential and 4 commercial installations completed with APsystems microinverters, reaching over 400 kWp. At the end of 2021, Sunup will complete a 49.95 kWp installation based on APsystems microinverters. In addition to PV installations, SunUp also offers its customers ecological heat pumps that are complementary to PV systems, helping to increase the building’s auto consumption ratio.

A multi-residential project in Rybnik

A recent housing cooperative project located in Rybnik, Poland, is a good example of this green energy transition dynamic. This project consisted in 7 multi-family residential buildings, belonging to the Rybnik Housing Cooperative, which had objectives to reduce energy costs for its investors via its own solar-powered roofs. It was also a way for the housing corporation to contribute to a cleaner way to generate electricity without using fossil fuels, which remain the vast majority of conventional power plants in Poland.

The result is 11 photovoltaic installations for a total project size of approximately 42 kWp.

Mr Klimek explained the main challenges on this project:

“Firstly, we had to look for a safe, reliable solution. During the engineering phase, we realized that we were lacking space inside the building for any traditional string inverters. , the roofs built in the late 70’s each had a slightly different angle and a variety of orientations. The solutions needed a high degree of flexibility… For all these reasons, multi-module microinverters from APsystems appeared to be the best solution we could propose to our customer.”

“Another big advantage with APsystems is that each PV module benefits from its own MPP tracker, so we do not have to worry about any problems that could occur with production for our client. We can easily supervise the production of any PV module remotely. And here we are talking about 106 modules.” He concluded.

The advantages of microinverters

Leveraging a safe, more productive, and easier to maintain AC solution was key for SunUp to select APsystems microinverters for this project. It strengthened SunUp’s team confidence in building reliable PV installations in challenging conditions under a tight time schedule and budget.

With the rapid development of self-consumption in both residential and larger projects, accelerated by a constant energy price increase, APsystems is very confident in the success of its current and upcoming multimodule microinverter range with the new DS3 dual series and QT2 3-phase Quad in Poland. As a proud member of Sunspec Alliance and SBF in Poland, APsystems continues to be a leader in the ever-growing solar MLPE segment offering smart and easy-to-install microinverter solutions.

Read the full article in POLISH on Gramwzielone.pl

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APsystems Introduces the DS3, the World’s Most Powerful Dual-Module Microinverter series

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APsystems unveils the DS3 series, a dual-module, single phase microinverter product line for residential and commercial solar applications at the Solar Solutions International trade show in The Netherlands.

A new, groundbreaking design for APsystems, the DS3 series is launching with multiple power offerings in several major global markets, with outputs up to 960VA—making it the most powerful dual-module microinverter in the world and reflecting APsystems’ commitment to powerful innovation with global capability.

The new platform architecture, built from the ground up by the power electronics design experts comprising APsystems’ engineering and R&D teams, employs the latest breakthroughs in power inversion circuitry, semiconductor device technology, high-speed communication and intelligent control.

The DS3 series is designed to be paired with virtually any choice of PV module type and size, including 60 and 72-cell modules, 120 and 144 split-cell modules, as well as bi-facial modules. With multiple output ranges available, installers can capably find an optimal DS3 microinverter model to match their choice of PV module type, size and capacity to maximize the power output and increase energy harvest. The new product line is also fully compatible with APsystems’ existing QS1 and YC600 microinverters as well as ECU-R, ECU-C and ECU-B gateway devices.

DS3 Series microinverters offer the following features and benefits:

  • Maximized power output for each application to harness today’s high-capacity PV modules
  • High 97% efficiency
  • Reactive Power Control, meeting interconnection requirements
  • A wide range of power outputs ideal for all major solar markets
  • More intelligent, streamlined architecture
  • Future-proof with remote upgradeability
  • 20% fewer components for increased reliability
  • Encrypted Zigbee wireless for faster communication speed and enhanced system security

The DS3 Series will launch in most regions in Q4 of this year with the following models available by market:

  • EMEA: DS3-L at 730VA, DS3 at 880VA
  • USA & CANADA: DS3-S at 640VA, DS3-L at 768VA & DS3 at 880VA
  • AUSTRALIA: DS3-S at 625VA, DS3-L at 750VA and DS3 at 880VA

The DS3 series continues to build on the successful APsystems line of multi-module microinverters, offering reduced logistics costs, faster installation, improved communication and connection features, and a wide MPPT voltage range for greater energy harvest during low light conditions.

DS3 series microinverters will be on display at the APsystems stand #C9.1 at the Solar Solutions International, the largest trade show for solar energy in Northwest Europe, September 28-30 at the Expo Haarlemmermeer in The Netherlands.

Invitation Solar Solutions September ’21

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Discover the new APsystems microinverters at Solar Solutions.

You are invited to the Solar Solutions trade fair in the Netherlands to get acquainted with the latest products and our professionals from 28 to 30 September ’21 in Vijfhuizen.

Solar Solutions is the largest special interest fair for heating, cooling and ventilation. You can find information about both energy generation and sustainable heating. At the APsystems booth you can get to know the latest microinverter, the DS3, an advanced microinverter for connecting 2 solar panels, for a maximum output power of almost 900VA, the solution for residential and commercial PV. In addition to the APsystems café, where we would like to welcome you, the prizes will also be handed over to the winners of the APsystems photo competition. The best entries during the summer months will be rewarded with a Bol.com voucher of no less than €500! Dutch installers can still participate in September. Look here for the landing page (in Dutch).

During Solar Solutions, manufacturers, distributors and installers from different countries show their latest products, solutions and concepts.

As well as its microinverters, APsystems also offers monitoring and analysis software. When connected to the advanced EMA (Energy Communication Unit) module, a user-friendly interface allows you to analyze the performance of each solar panel and each microinverter and detect and even resolve any malfunctions. Consumption monitoring is also an option. Visit us during Solar Solutions at booth C9.1 at the Expo Haarlemmermeer in Vijfhuizen, Netherlands  and let us inform you about the smart products of APsystems. With the code APSYSTEMS you can get free access, all you have to do is register with the invitation code and save 75 € !

We look forward seeing you at Solar Solutions.

APsystems at SNEC 15th Conference & Exhibition, Booth#: E7-550, June 3-5, 2021, Shanghai, China

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Don’t miss the opportunity to get updated on the latest APsystems innovations to come in 2021.

Following a very special period for everyone, the whole APsystems team is now more than ever delighted and excited to present you a full range of innovations ranging from a complete new multi-module microinverters platform to future-oriented advanced rapid shutdown solutions and sneak preview on our upcoming module AC storage solution.

Highlights of day 1.

Celebrate live certification on APsystems booth!

APsystems booth has hold the on-site certification ceremony for the new generation of dual-core Rapid shutdown products. CSA Group leaders have visited APsystems booth of and issued relevant product certificates on site in presence of our co-founder, CEO and Chairman, Dr Zhi Min Ling.

Solar professionals upgrade their skills with live training on MLPE solutions.

Every day at 11 am and 14.30 PM, APsystems technical experts share best installation practices, system introduction and case studies analysis on the latest microinverters, rapid shutdown products and energy storage solutions onsite

Still 1 day to go! Register and visit us, booth E7 550.

APsystems Launches EMA Manager App, an all-in-one application for solar professionals

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APsystems introduces the EMA Manager app, a new app to manage APsystems microinverter system commissioning, monitoring and troubleshooting.

Installers can now enhance their customers service capabilities anywhere, anytime via their smartphone or tablet. This app conveniently streamlines monitored system installation while providing installers with many new and improved features for remote site management.

Benefit from all existing features available in the EMA web portal on your smartphone or tablet using a single sign-in. Real-time systems check, diagnostics capabilities and troubleshooting are now coming to your hands with the EMA Manager App. This new app, available on Google Play and APP Store which also includes a revamped ECU_APP, provides additional features including, ECU and microinverter connectivity, energy production, system troubleshooting, and full site configuration and monitoring capability without the need to be on-site.

Included in the new app are installer-specific statistics, including total number of customers, inverters installed, and total energy produced which provides installers with valuable information as well as a unique selling tool to showcase their environmental impact.

The new app is being introduced as APsystems has recently surpassed 100,000 registered installations in more than 120 countries on its EMA platform. As APsystems’ footprint continues to grow worldwide, this app redefines ease of solar inverter installation just as APsystems has redefined simplicity and convenience in its easy-to-install inverter platform.

Sizing of PV-system increases yield dramatically

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Correct sizing of PV system is important for increasing yield

What is the DC-AC ratio of solar panels connected to an inverter? Within the design of a PV system, the capacity of the solar panels exceeding the capacity of the inverter is called oversizing. Reasonable over ratio design can significantly optimize inverter yields, reduce AC side equipment costs and increase overall efficiency.

Why is oversizing necessary?

The nominal power of the solar panels is the maximum output under ideal conditions in a test laboratory. However, in normal life circumstances appear to be more complex, the weather is not a constant, so the output power of panels is always variable. Due to many factors, losses inevitably occur which will cause the output power of the panels to be lower than the rated power tested. If you would you like to know more about the factors that can affect the output power of modules, such as

  1. The sun as an energy source
  2. Degradation of solar panels
  3. The angle of the solar panel
  4. Other factors

 

Summary: This article demonstrates that the actual output power of the modules is lower at their nominal power. In order to improve the utilization rate of the inverter, it is considered good practice to use DC side oversizing. Using the NREL-SAM simulation example, the data proves that increasing the DC-to-AC ratio will result in higher power generation. Although there may be a loss through clipping, the increase in power generation of the system is always greater than the loss caused by clipping.The optimum ratio of direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) ) requires a full consideration of the benefits of system power generation, system installation costs, operation and maintenance costs, and overall system production (loss of module production and mismatch effects associates etc.), in order to strike a balance between the increased costs by over-sizing on the DC side and the revenue gains generated by the electricity production of the system. Reasonable DC to AC ratio can increase system profits, reduce system cost per kilowatt hour, and maximize overall profits.

Please read the full paper on sizing.

 

APsystems looks ahead after a record 2020

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The microinverter specialist discusses its profitable growth, key milestones, and an ongoing focus on the Latin American market.

New APsystems dual microinverter, the DS3

Despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the solar industry and the global economy overall, 2020 was a banner year for APsystems, which continues to advance its leadership in multi-module microinverter solutions.

The international company celebrated its 10th anniversary, surpassed 1 GW in microinverter shipments, marked a one-day delivery milestone, and further strengthened its relationships with partner companies, particularly in the emerging Latin American (LATAM) market.

The beginning

APsystems was founded in Silicon Valley in 2010 and has become a global leader in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of module-level power electronics (MLPE) products based on its solar technology.

The company’s co-founders, President and CEO Dr. Zhi-Min Ling and Chief Technology Officer Dr. Yuhao Luo, both have experience in the semiconductor and photovoltaics industries, having served in leading roles at Xilinx and Solaria Corp.

Within about two years, APsystems launched its first single and duo microinverter products. Later, the company launched the YC1000, the first native three-phase quad microinverter, then the dual microinverter YC600 with RPC function, and the QS1 microinverter.

Alvin Xianyu, APsystems LATAM director

In 2016, Olivier Jacques joined APsystems as vice president. With experience across many high-tech industries, including executive-level positions at Enphase Energy and Samsung Electronics, Jacques played an important role in increasing revenues, developing sales channels, launching a new product platform, and repositioning the company as a value-added solutions provider.

Today, APsystems has grown to encompass several global subsidiaries with warehouses, sales, marketing, and technical support teams around the world, including LatAm, Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, serving customers in more than 120 countries.

Main products include both AC-side microinverters and DC-side rapid shutdown devices for residential and commercial solar installations. The company’s EMA energy monitoring and analysis software also provides customer control over each individual module and microinverter in a solar array.

Alvin Xianyu, LATAM director of APsystems, called the company’s 10-year anniversary a “major landmark,” especially in the evolving inverter industry. “It has been a long and exciting journey,” said Xianyu. “The path we’ve taken to get here has been incredibly fulfilling and has brought a strong sense of accomplishment.”

The company has also been profitable each of the past nine years.

“Staying alive is one thing,” said Xianyu, “but growing profitably when you need to heavily invest in R&D on one side, while keeping enough agility to adapt to an ever-changing emerging market on the other side, is another challenge.”

He added that APsystems’ success is primarily due to the “hard work, determination, and patience of the hundreds of talented and committed people who have joined and believed in this company over the years.”

The milestones

By the end of 2020, APsystems’ global cumulative microinverter shipments surpassed 1 GW, representing more than 3.5 million individual units. They are expected to generate a total 1.24 billion kWh annually and reduce carbon dioxide output by 910,000 tons, equal to the environmental benefits of 45 million trees.

When the impacts of Covid-19 started in early 2020, APsystems adjusted its production and business strategy in a timely manner and achieved growth in several main markets, including the United States, Europe, and LatAm.

APsystems plans to keep concentrating on product and market development. In fact, the company’s next goal is to achieve 1 GW of microinverter shipments annually.

It also reached a one-day delivery milestone last year: On Dec. 1, 2020, the company shipped 22,000 microinverter units totaling over 27 MW. Xianyu said the units were mostly quad microinverters, which offer distributors and installers increased reliability and lower MLPE system costs.

He added the delivery represented a record-setting moment for APsystems and an achievement for any inverter supplier to ship such volume in a single day.

Building long-term partnerships

In 2020, APsystems remained focused on steady growth in the emerging LatAm solar market, especially Brazil. To support that growth, the company also devoted itself to strengthening its relationships with key regional partners.

The company has been in the LatAm market for over eight years, and its products have earned a good reputation among regional installers and other industry stakeholders. Xianyu said the company saw the strong potential of the “fast-growing” LatAm market.

“When you combine sufficient solar irradiance with supportive policies on clean energy from local governments, you obtain strong driving factors which set the foundation for a growing and sustainable solar business in LatAm,” he explained.

Another key to APsystems’ success in LatAm has been close collaboration with leading distributors. The company has been working with Ecori Energia Solar, one of the largest distributed generation (DG) PV system distributors in Brazil, for almost six years. Their partnership has helped increase APsystems’ presence in the promising Brazilian market.

“Both of us have the same view of the MLPE segment, and we treat each other as reliable partners as well as good friends,” said Xianyu.

Leandro Martins, president and founder of Ecori

“With a great sense of professionalism and ethics, together we created this market from scratch,” said Martins. “Our resellers started to migrate their sales from other technologies to APsystems microinverters, and they love it.”

Xianyu credited Ecori’s large business and service network in Brazil to the company’s “very professional team highly responsible for added value and contribution to this market through consistent best-in-class technical support and training.”

Although Brazil is among LatAm’s largest solar markets, it still has some obstacles to overcome. “Each coin has two sides; opportunity and challenge always coexist,” said Xianyu.

He said APsystems keeps an eye on uncertainties like potential policy change, unstable exchange rates, and other big challenges like the unexpected impact of Covid-19. Xianyu also cited a desire to continually lower system costs so that microinverter solutions gain even more interest in commercial applications.

“The greatest challenge we face here is to ensure the resellers also do a great job on their installations,” said Martins. “We know that education and training are key for newcomers in the market, as many new companies need to acquire the necessary knowledge to guarantee high-quality installation services for residential and commercial system owners. We believe this is improving.”

Martins pointed out that Ecori offers free training, both online and at the company’s center in São Paulo city. He said, “We are always available to make our market more professional.”

Another challenge is the discussion over potential changes to Brazil’s DG rules. Martins said he hopes the country’s politicians will protect the solar industry, noting President Jair Bolsonaro “already gave many speeches in its favor.” Martins said some associations, such as Movimento Solar Livre, are also “doing a great job trying to avoid any kind of taxation.”

Both Martins and Xianyu are pleased and encouraged to see Brazil’s DG market becoming increasingly mature.

According to Brazilian solar association ABSolar, the country recently surpassed the historic mark of 7 GW of operational PV power. DG solar accounted for most of that capacity, with more than 4 GW installed. Brazil’s government also recently set a target of 45% renewables by 2050.

To help expand Brazil’s MLPE use, APsystems and Ecori plan on maintaining their partnership. Martins said the companies’ six-year relationship is “just the beginning of a very long journey together.”

The future

New APsystems dual microinverter, the DS3

APsystems already has some new solutions under development. Xianyu said the company will launch a new generation of microinverters for both residential and large roofs based on an entirely new architecture in a few months.

For example, Xianyu mentioned the new APsystems dual microinverter, the DS3. He said this third-generation dual microinverter is the result of unprecedented integration work that has enabled APsystems to reduce the number of components by 20%. It will offer unprecedented power density, delivering 50% more AC output power than the YC600, and will be “fully compatible with our current single-phase dual and quad, the YC600 & QS1, for installation on the same roof.”

After celebrating the company’s 10-year anniversary, reaching milestones, and strengthening key partnerships in emerging markets, APsystems is excited about the future.

“APsystems is now well recognized for its leadership in multi-module microinverter solutions, bringing innovative products to market that are built to last,” said Xianyu. “This is the DNA of the company and will continue to be.”

APsystems is proud to receive the “Top Brand PV Seal” for inverters on the French market from EUPD Research.

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For the second consecutive year, the “Top Brand PV SEAL award” given to APsystems, is the outcome of an analysis based on a survey with 100 French PV installers. The data collected from installers in the second half of 2020 form the basis of this result.

 

“EUPD Research has more than 20 years of experience in the sector. This know-how is unique in the PV industry. We are pleased to see APsystems ranking among the Top PV brands in the inverter category in the French market. This unique seal is the result of a fully independent evaluation, and various individual factors were taken into account in the analysis of the APsystems brand.” said Dr. Martin Ammon, COO at EUPD Research.

Based on years of research, EUPD Research has developed an annual evaluation model to focus on aspects of a successful brand management. The seal is designed to present a complete view of the brand, in which various characteristics of the product play a role.

APsystems continues to consolidate its leadership in multi-module microinverter solutions that offer innovative products designed to last. A new generation of microinverters for both residential and large roofs based on an entirely new architecture will be introduced to market in few months. The DS3, the 3rd generation of dual microinverter will be available in June and will offer unprecedented power density with 900 W AC. It will also offer full compatibility with our current single-phase dual and quad, the YC600 & QS1, for installation on the same roof.

Last year, APsystems’ global cumulative microinverter shipments surpassed 1 GW, representing more than 3.5 million individual units.  The expected solar power generation will reach a total 1,24 billion kWh annually, reducing 910 000 tons of carbon dioxide, and equal the environmental benefits of over 45 million trees.

APsystems offers the widest range of microinverter solutions to solar professionals and continues to be a leader in photovoltaic innovation, serving its clients in more than 120 countries around the world with local teams spread across Europe and offices, France, Lyon and Rotterdam, in the Netherlands.

Discover the article on PES solar edition