The Future of Solar & Storage: How APsystems Is Using AI to Build a Smarter Energy Ecosystem

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In today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, artificial intelligence is transforming the way we generate, store, and manage power. From intelligent manufacturing to real-time optimization, AI is enabling breakthroughs across industries—and APsystems is at the forefront of this shift. By combining advanced solar and energy storage technologies with AI innovation, the company is reshaping what’s possible in residential, commercial, and DIY energy solutions.

Smart Integration of Solar, Storage, and AI

APsystems has long championed the convergence of solar and storage—now supercharged by AI. In the micro energy segment, the company’s EZ1 and EZHI series offer easy-to-install, plug-and-play systems that empower users to achieve energy independence on their own terms.

For residential applications, high-current 20A microinverters seamlessly pair with the APstorage ELS/ELT battery series to meet the dynamic energy needs of today’s households. In the C&I space, the three-phase QT2 microinverter delivers efficient, flexible performance for businesses aiming to lower costs and maximize output.

At every stage of the energy journey—pre-sales, installation, and ongoing operations—APsystems is embedding AI into its ecosystem. From intelligent design tools to smart energy management and AI-driven customer support, the goal is simple: increase system performance, reduce complexity, and elevate the user experience.

AI in Action: Optimizing Energy Management

One of the most compelling examples of AI at work is APsystems’ “BESS AI” model. This advanced algorithm uses deep learning to analyze solar production, energy usage, and regional electricity pricing. It then generates a custom battery charging strategy for each home, which is automatically sent to the user’s energy storage system.

The result? Smarter use of stored power, reduced reliance on the grid, and greater savings—especially in regions with time-of-use pricing. For residential users, it’s a game-changer.

 

Designing Smarter with AP Designer

To simplify system planning, APsystems developed AP Designer, a powerful AI-driven solar design tool. By integrating satellite imagery, image recognition, and 3D modeling, the platform can assess rooftops, tree coverage, and shading to deliver one-click solar layouts with speed and precision.

The tool also produces professional-grade system diagrams, BOMs, cost-benefit analyses, and simulation reports—helping solar professionals cut design time while increasing accuracy.

AI-Powered Customer Support with APbot

Customer support has also evolved. APbot, APsystems’ AI assistant, uses large language models and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) to provide fast, accurate answers to customer questions across pre-sales, installation, and post-sales phases.

Built on a comprehensive technical and product knowledge base, APbot supports multiple deployment options—from embedded web chat to integration with the EMA platform and mobile app. It also includes smart features like contextual follow-ups, video recommendations, and multilingual support for global markets—all monitored in real time to ensure quality and compliance.

A Company-Wide AI Strategy

AI isn’t just a product feature—it’s part of APsystems’ company DNA. Through internal programs like the “+AI Application Research Institute” and “AI Open Day,” the company is investing in AI literacy, streamlining workflows, and identifying new ways to bring intelligent automation into daily operations.

By committing to real-world, value-driven AI adoption, APsystems is expanding its “Smart Energy + AI” ecosystem to deliver a more connected, efficient, and sustainable future.

Disrupting Commercial Solar: Why Installers Are Switching to the QT2

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In the rapidly evolving solar industry, performance, ease of installation, and long-term reliability are critical factors. APsystems’ QT2 microinverter has emerged as a game-changer in commercial solar installations, offering unparalleled efficiency, safety, and scalability. Backed by third-party validation and innovative engineering, the QT2 is reshaping expectations for commercial solar technology.

Third-Party Validation: Confidence Built on Proof

The QT2 microinverter has undergone rigorous independent testing by the Renewable Energy Test Center (RETC), which confirmed its exceptional 4-in-1 design and overall performance. Additionally, APsystems’ commitment to quality is underscored by a third-party bankability report from DNV on the DS3 product line. This provides further evidence of the platform’s reliability, demonstrating that the QT2 is built on a solid technological foundation.

Performance-Driven Innovation

The QT2 is not just another microinverter; it’s specifically designed for commercial applications. Key features include:

  • Variants: Available in both 208V and 480V models, addressing diverse project needs.
  • High Power Output: Up to 1800W per unit, capable of supporting four high-capacity modules, including today’s 575W+ PV modules.
  • Integrated Design: Built-in phase balancing and monitoring for native compatibility with 3-phase systems.
  • Standards Compliance: Fully adheres to UL 1741 SB, including rapid shutdown requirements with appropriate equipment.

This innovative approach reduces the number of inverters required for installations, cutting installation time and minimizing potential failure points by up to 75% compared to traditional setups.

Enhanced Features and Rigorous Testing

APsystems continues to push the envelope with the QT2 by integrating enhanced features and maintaining rigorous quality standards:

  • Upgraded software for better system visibility and real-time analytics through the Energy Monitoring & Analysis (EMA) portal.
  • Refined supply chain logistics, ensuring broader availability and easier deployment of the QT2.
  • Comprehensive in-house testing to meet and exceed industry expectations for reliability and performance.

Why Commercial Installers Are Choosing the QT2

The QT2 microinverter offers competitive advantages that resonate with commercial solar professionals:

  • Unmatched Efficiency: A 4-in-1 design leads to faster installations and reduced labor costs.
  • High Compatibility: Works seamlessly with bifacial, split-cell, and large-format modules up to 600W+.
  • Built for Scale: Plug-and-play architecture enables easy expansion and flexible array design.
  • Smart & Secure: Features Zigbee wireless mesh networking and module-level monitoring, including 3-phase consumption tracking via ECU-C.
  • Proven Reliability: Built on a trusted platform validated by third-party testing and millions of microinverters deployed globally.

Conclusion: It’s Time to Go QT2

As the demand for commercial solar continues to rise, selecting the right technology partner is more important than ever. APsystems’ QT2 microinverter delivers proven reliability, enhanced energy performance, and peace of mind—all supported by third-party validation and continuous innovation.

With its advanced features, streamlined installation process, and scalable design, the QT2 is setting a new standard for commercial solar projects. Now is the perfect time to integrate the QT2 into your solar installations and experience the difference firsthand.

Three-Phase Made Simple

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This exclusive article from APsystems was featured in the recent Special Report by Solar Builder magazine, “The Case for Microinverters in C&I Solar.” It explores the growing adoption of microinverters in commercial applications, particularly the native 3-phase microinverters that have revolutionized the industry. The article highlights the simplified wiring diagrams and streamlined installation process made possible by the 3-phase system wiring, along with key considerations for PV module selection, layout design, next-gen microinverters, racking choices, and gateway placement.

To access the full article and gain valuable insights into the considerations and best practices for 3-phase microinverter design and installation:

READ THE ARTICLE HERE

Special Report: The Case for Microinverters in C&I Solar

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Technology is revolutionizing the design of commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftop solar systems, and one innovation leading the way is microinverters. With panels reaching unprecedented capacities of 600 W and beyond, and the emergence of UL 3741 compliant systems that provide more options for meeting NEC 690.12, microinverters are set to simplify C&I solar, just as they have transformed the residential solar sector. In this special report, Solar Builder magazine explores the advancements and benefits of microinverters tailored for C&I applications with APsystems.

Inside you’ll find:

  • Cost comparisons vs. string systems
  • Benefits beyond shade mitigation
  • Making three-phase “plug and play”
  • Safety advantages
  • How to reduce failure points
  • Adding battery storage

READ THE CASE HERE

The Power of Quad Microinverters for Commercial Rooftops

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As part of Solar Power World’s 2023 Trends in Solar series, an article was recently published entitled, “Mightier microinverters can power 4 solar panels,” that highlights APsystems as the forerunner in making a four-in-one (quad) microinverter as early as 2014. In addition, the article features Jason Higginson, senior marketing director of APsystems, providing information on why microinverters are now ideal for commercial solar applications due to the quad design. In particular, quad microinverters reduce cost, speed up installation and produce more energy over the life of the system.

Click here to read the full article

QT2 Featured in Solar Builder Article

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In its recent article entitled “Making the case for microinverters in C&I solar,” Solar Builder mentioned the new QT2 microinverter, APsystems’ commercial 3-phase product. The article describes the changing dynamics of using microinverters in commercial solar projects and how many of the past hang-ups and limitations no longer exist. In fact, microinverters now make more sense than string inverters + rapid shutdown systems in many applications.

Read full article here.

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. Published in PV Magazine 31, 2021 MARCH 31, 2021 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 […]

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Interview from Dr Ling, co-founder and Chairman at APsystems

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When uncertain times defy innovation, new opportunities shine brightly for a long time.

This year marks APsystems’ 10th anniversary. While the situation worldwide is facing unexpected challenges on many fronts during this very particular year 2020 with the Coronavirus pandemic, Dr Zhi Min Ling, co-founder and chairman of APsystems, shares his views on his entrepreneurial story with APsystems from its very beginning when the economic effects of the 2008 financial crisis were still strongly present to where APsystems is today, having become the #1 multi-module microinverter supplier in the world. It is as if challenging uncertainty could also be a key in building long-lasting opportunities.

2020 is the year of APsystems celebrating its 1st decade, how does it make you feel?

Fortunate, honored and grateful. It is a major milestone for the company, especially in this very fast-changing inverter industry which is at the crossroads of high-tech microelectronics, energy and environmentally-friendly building sectors. Staying alive is one thing 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. The fact that we have been growing for 10 years while reaching profitability every year since 2012, is primarily down 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.

What encouraged you to set up APsystems? And how has the company evolved over the years?

The company has changed dramatically for sure. We can look at the company’s development in two phases, I think. The foundation 2010 – 2012: it was the very beginning where every priority was focused on setting up our expertise in power electronics conversion designs to create a robust and cost-efficient microinverter solution. Within about two years, we managed to design, manufacture and launch our 1st single and duo microinverter products with the YC250 and YC500 which later became the best-selling duo microinverter worldwide. We set up our headquarters in Jiaxing, China, where we still manufacture our products thanks to the help of TDG group, our main shareholder and share our R&D department between Jiaxing and Cupertino….Then the 2nd phase was characterized by one obsession: how to make APsystems Grow Internationally with no compromise to profitability. Although we are still in this phase with constant profitability every year since 2012, I would say that over the past six years (2013-2019), and especially since Olivier Jacques joined the company in 2015, we have managed to structure ourselves by Business Units on all continents enabling us to serve our customers in more than 80 countries today.

What were the main challenges along the way?

It is quite fascinating to be able to be part of this solar revolution. Helping to make solar an affordable clean energy solution to everyone on this earth is inspiring but of course, the technological challenges are big. If you take communications for example, microinverters manage a considerable number of data points that need to be communicated back from the microinverters through the gateway and to the monitoring platform in the cloud. This means when systems like the YC1000, QS1 and YC600 apply remote firmware upgrades, this creates a demanding bidirectional data flow and traditional powerline communication isn’t going to cut it. This is the reason why we moved our portfolio to high-speed wireless Zigbee, which is up to three times faster than conventional powerline communication (PLC), creating a local 2.4GHz mesh network for fast and reliable data communication between the microinverters and the gateway.

Another constant challenge has been to adapt to increasingly complex market needs. The progressive integration of PV into the electricity networks has required Inverter manufacturers in many countries to release products capable of interacting in real-time with grid operators. Whether it is to adjust the PV production instantaneously, depending on the state of the network, or to prevent any electron from being sent back, performing such a functionality for the coming 20 years in a reliable manner with a product smaller than an A4 sheet and weighing 3kg average is a genuine achievement in technological integration, entailing very sophisticated R&D , manufacturing and testing capabilities.

How is the Pandemic situation affecting your activity?

When the COVID-19 first appeared in China at the beginning of the year, our activities were relatively spared since part of our production comes from outside China, even though a slowdown in manufacturing occurred during a period of about 1 month in the first quarter. The good news is that as we master the production infrastructure, we were able to quickly increase our production rate when the situation improved a few weeks later, ensuring a constant continuity of supply to all our customers and warehouse locations across the world.

Despite the inherent agility of our distributor partners and solar installers staying open and continuing their job as far as possible, we have inevitably been confronted by a slowdown in our sales activity worldwide this quarter. Uncertainty is the most difficult parameter to deal with when it lasts, it is the same for everyone as an individual but it is also a genuine opportunity to confront and challenge ourselves by overtaking obstacles with self-confidence. I strongly believe that the creativity and flexibility of our industry will rapidly lead to recovery during the 2nd half of this year.

What’s next for APsystems?

APsystems is now well recognized for its leadership in multi-module microinverters solutions bringing innovative products to market that are built to last. This is the DNA of the company and will continue to be. We have several new microinverter products planned to be launched in the coming 18 months including a new native 3-phase QUAD microinverter at the end of this year, but our ambition moving forward is also to increase our position in other Module Level Power Electronics. We have recently launched, especially in the United States, APsmart, a new Business Unit that includes advanced safety products such as a Module Level Rapid Shut-Down (MLRSD) device to meet new safety regulations on MW-scale solar projects. The APsmart MLRSD System is a SunSpec Alliance Certified device which maintains constant communication between the RSD and Transmitter, constantly monitoring voltage and current. APsmart offers state-of-the-art PV module rapid shutdown devices (RSD), ideal for any new or existing string or central inverter system, and meeting U.S. NEC 2017 690.12 Rapid Shutdown requirements.

APsystems is also working on a modular AC coupled Energy Storage System (ESS) for residential where priority, similarly to every product we manufacture, is given to high quality & reliability.

Download the full article here

 

APsystems microinverters powering multifamily solar at Grow Community

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Condos, apartments, townhomes – three flavors of multifamily construction, each with its own challenges for reaping the power, and financial benefits, of solar investment.

Asani development company is tackling all three at once at Grow Community on Bainbridge Island, across Puget Sound from Seattle.

On buildings dubbed the Salal, the Juniper and the Elan, now complete in the project’s expansive second phase, solar arrays will benefit both homebuyers and renters alike.

One roof apiece, with many beneficiaries beneath.

“Our investors said, ‘let’s go for it,’” said Greg Lotakis, Asani president and Grow Community project manager. “Without their desire to be the largest solar community in Washington, and wanting to plant the solar flag in the ground, we wouldn’t be doing this. Without their support, it wouldn’t be possible.”

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The Salal condominiums, with 12 units spread over three stories, is effectively a “community solar” project on a rooftop. Solar was included in the purchase price – no buyer option – and incentives from the State of Washington will be apportioned equally among condominium owners. Each will own a one-twelfth interest in the array.

Asani worked with state officials and the local utility provider to craft a program that satisfies the complicated provisions of Washington law.

The opening was a provision allowing common use of single roof for solar in multifamily buildings. Asani banked on prospective buyers seeing shared solar as a good investment as they bought their condo units, one that promised annual paybacks while lowering operational costs of their building through solar harvest.

Solar was designed into the Salal building. A single production meter monitors total system output, while 12 sub-meters track consumption in individual units for utility billing.
Buyers are rolling the cost of solar, about $15,000 per unit, into their mortgages to take advantage of low interest rates at the time of purchase.

“We wanted it very clean and divisible by all the owners,” Lotakis said. “I think it would be pretty difficult for six, 10, 12 people to come together and agree upon how the system would work after the fact. This gave us a chance to just deliver it.”

Lotakis expects the 44kW array to produce about $1,500 in incentives per unit annually – cumulatively much higher than the state’s $5,000 cap on incentives for a single-family residence.

Next door at the 12-unit Juniper apartment building, the 44kW rooftop array is similar but the equation is different. Renters will enjoy the benefits of solar production through net-metering, but not the annual state solar rebate. That will go to the building’s single owner, and will max out at the state’s $5,000 cap. The Juniper building array includes APsystems YC1000 true 3-phase microinverters.

The two-story Elan townhomes presented the most straightforward challenge. Individual 6-9kW solar packages are offered for each section of the common roof. No modules will cross the “virtual lot lines,” making each system self-contained within the owner’s patch of rooftop. Three systems have been installed so far, including APsystems YC500A microinverters.


GROWING NEIGHBORHOOD SOLAR
From project inception, Asani set out to build the most environmentally friendly development possible.
Relentless sourcing of renewable materials and low-impact fixtures, and close connection to the island’s town center, have positioned Grow Community in the marketplace for healthy lifestyle-conscious buyers.

The project’s first phase is noted for its shared pea-patch gardens and winding footpaths through close-set homes. The second and third phases are oriented around a woodland grove and open greenway.

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The project has earned recognition in national magazines and won awards from local and national homebuilder associations. It is only the second planned community in North America to be certified under the rigorous One Planet Living standards.

Grow’s first phase of 23 detached units sold out immediately, and every homeowner chose to add the solar package.

Asani has also showcased Made In Washington components to support the state’s solar industry.
Modules at the Salal are by Itek Energy of Bellingham, WA, while the Juniper and Elan arrays include APsystems microinverters manufactured and distributed by Blue Frog Solar of nearby Poulsbo.

Using a mix of in-state and out-of-state components allows Asani to achieve different price points for buyers while optimizing local incentives where possible.

Lotakis cautions that Grow Community’s multifamily solar program relies on particularities in Washington law. Multifamily programs elsewhere would face their own challenges, although he believes Grow offers a useful model for developers nationwide to consider.

With the Salal building only recently certified for occupancy, new residents have no comparative data on their energy savings. But the solar component was attractive, as it has been to buyers throughout the three-neighborhood, 142-home project due to be completed in late 2017.

“Solar was a factor,” one new resident said, “along with a development that encourages a sense of community.”

Between the federal tax credit and annual rebates from the state, Lotakis said, owners buying into the Salal condominiums could have their share of the common array paid off within five years.

“And because they’ve rolled the cost of solar into their mortgage, they don’t really see it,” he said. “Those production checks will be like a dividend.”

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