Winner Spotlight: Hansen Solar Energy Brings Affordable Housing to Light in Charlottetown, PE

/in , ,

Hansen Solar Energy isn’t just installing solar panels—they’re lighting the way for community transformation. Based in Charlottetown, PE, the team—led by General Manager Shaun Callaghan—was recognized in the 2024 APsystems Canadian Installation Awards for their outstanding work on a nonprofit affordable housing project on Bills Lane.

What sets Hansen Solar Energy apart is their deep commitment to community-first solutions. Known for their thoughtful, hands-on approach, the team worked closely with building owners to design a system that would deliver long-term financial relief through clean energy. The 82.35 kWh system now helps residents reduce their monthly utility bills while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

This wasn’t just another install. Hansen Solar took on the challenges of a multi-building nonprofit site with precision, pairing innovation with impact. Their ability to remotely manage and monitor multiple system gateways (called ECUs) under a single account proved essential—not only for optimizing technical performance but also for keeping the project scalable and accessible for stakeholders.

“We have access to multiple ECUs and units under one account, which helps us monitor and manage the systems with precision,” said Callaghan. “That level of visibility really helped us maximize the output of our system.”

To bring the project to life, Hansen Solar Energy selected APsystems DS3 microinverters for their flexibility, affordability, and ease of integration. The plug-and-play design supported a smooth installation process, and APsystems’ customer service team was on hand to assist as needed—ensuring everything came together seamlessly.

“The support from APsystems was great throughout the process,” Callaghan shared. “It’s helped us not only deliver a reliable system, but also show stakeholders the performance and savings in real time.”

Hansen Solar Energy found the microinverters to be both high-performing and budget-friendly – two factors that made a real difference for a nonprofit project focused on delivering long-term value to the community.

“It’s a more budget-friendly option, and because APsystems microinverters are simple to install and scale, they’re great for community-focused projects like this one,” Callaghan added.

The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Site owners appreciate the real-time tracking made possible through the APsystems app, and stakeholders have praised the project for its financial and environmental impact.

From planning to performance, Hansen Solar Energy exemplifies what it means to deliver solar solutions with purpose. Their work at Bills Lane stands as a model for how technical excellence, thoughtful design, and community care can, and should, go hand in hand.

 

SEE ALL WINNERS HERE

 

 

Geddes & Murphy Electric Ltd’s Award-Winning Barn Rooftop Installation at Hill Peak Farms

/in , ,

In the rural heart of Middle Musquodoboit, Nova Scotia, sustainability and performance come together in a standout solar project by Geddes & Murphy Electric Ltd. Their 135kW DC barn rooftop installation at Hill Peak Farms has earned the title of Commercial Project of the Year in APsystems’ 2024 Canadian Installation Awards—thanks to both its technical execution and energy impact.

Designed with precision and purpose, the system utilizes 150 APsystems DS3-S microinverters to bring the farming operation nearly to net zero on electrical energy use. With over a decade in the industry, Geddes & Murphy’s experience shows in the results.

“We’ve installed around 1,000 APsystems microinverters and they’ve produced more energy than our estimates almost every time,” said Scott Geddes, Owner of Geddes & Murphy Electric Ltd. “The ease of installation, pricing, and performance are hard to beat.”

The installation process capitalized on APsystems’ electrician-friendly design. Trunk cables enabled simple string layouts, while the ability to run AC power directly from the roof streamlined system tie-in. For a high-demand farm setting, this kind of efficiency makes a real difference.

Even post-installation, the system continues to impress. “Our customers are always pleased with how quickly we can install and with how well the systems perform,” Geddes added. “The monitoring app is user-friendly and lets them track performance right down to each panel.”

Backed by reliability, minimal warranty replacements, and an easy RMA process, APsystems microinverters have become a go-to for the team at Geddes & Murphy. The company is already looking ahead, continuing to integrate APsystems into future builds across residential, commercial, and agricultural sites.

From the fields of Nova Scotia to the forefront of Canada’s solar movement, this award-winning project is a testament to the power of good design, great technology, and a commitment to getting the job done right.

SEE ALL WINNERS HERE

 

 

Flux Renewables’ Award-Winning Solar Installation in Alberta

/in , ,

 

In the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, just 40 minutes from Calgary, a bed and breakfast is now powered by one of the most impressive residential solar installations in Canada. Designed and installed by Flux Renewables, this 18.63kW system has earned the title of Residential Project of the Year in APsystems’ 2024 Canadian Installation Awards — and for good reason.

What makes this system stand out isn’t just the beautiful setting, but its ability to handle a real-world challenge: shade. With trees, cloud cover, and mountain terrain constantly impacting the site, Flux needed a solution that could adapt. APsystems microinverters were the clear choice.

“The combination of safety, dependability, advanced tech, affordability, and simple installation made APsystems the right fit,” said Tanner Robertson, CEO and Founder of Flux Renewables. “This setup experiences plenty of shade—yet the APsystems microinverters manage it efficiently.”

Each panel benefits from independent MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking), ensuring high performance even in variable conditions. The result? Reliable energy production, reduced energy bills for the B&B owner, and a powerful demonstration of solar tech in action.

This isn’t Flux’s first standout project. In fact, the client was referred by a neighbor who also had an APsystems installation—last year’s entry in the same competition. That kind of word-of-mouth speaks volumes.

With a focus on small-scale commercial, agricultural, and residential installs, Flux Renewables is carving out a name for itself as a trusted installer in Western Canada. And according to Robertson, their six years working with APsystems has built a foundation of trust.

“No electronic product is perfect, but APsystems has always stepped up. Any defects were replaced quickly and without hassle. That kind of support matters.”

This award-winning project showcases the future of solar: smarter systems, adaptable tech, and installers who go above and beyond to deliver results that work in the real world.

SEE ALL WINNERS HERE

 

 

VIDEO: APsystems Powers World’s First Net Zero High-rise Apartment Building

/in , ,

Downtown Seattle has the distinct privilege of being home to the world’s first high-rise apartment building given the highly coveted Net Zero designation by the International Living Future Institute, an achievement that would not be possible without the involvement of APsystems microinverters.

Learn more about this inspiring initiative in the full article here.

PARTNER SUCCESS STORY: Krik Haffner of South Sound Solar

/in ,

Krik Haffner, Founder & President of South Sound Solar, Discusses Quixote Village Project

In a recent project, Quixote Village, the folks at South Sound Solar, led by founder and president Kirk Haffner, demonstrated their commitment to both sustainability and humanity by powering 30 tiny homes in an effort to help shelter the houseless. Partnering with an architectural firm, Kirk and team ensured that the village was solar-ready, utilizing the latest technology to optimize energy production.

With the help of APsystems’ dual-channel microinverters, South Sound Solar was able to maximize efficiency, powering each of the tiny homes with just four solar panels. The decision to make APsystems the primary microinverter was driven by reliability and performance, a choice informed by years of experience and a commitment to delivering quality.

Watch the full video about the Quixote Village project.

Learn more about this inspiring initiative in the full article here

VIDEO: Brightening Lives – Quixote Village Goes Solar

/in , ,

Quixote Village, a community of 30 tiny homes, stands as a symbol of support for Olympia, Washington’s most vulnerable citizens. Since its inception, the vision included incorporating sustainable solar energy into the infrastructure. Olympia Community Solar took the lead in spearheading this initiative, skillfully securing funding through various grant channels. The design and installation of the solar system was expertly handled by South Sound Solar.

Witness the incredible journey in this video, showcasing each tiny house’s roof adorned with four solar panels featuring APsystems multi-module microinverters. This innovative system contributes to annual savings of nearly $8,000 for the village, funds that are wisely reinvested into essential resources.

Learn more about this inspiring initiative in the full article here.

Watch this testimonial video from South Sound Solar.

Three-Phase Made Simple

/in , , ,

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

/in , , ,

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

Powered by APsystems microinverters, the largest solar array in Manitoba goes live

/in ,

The largest solar array in Manitoba, Canada, goes live this month, powered by APsystems microinverters.

The ambitious 200.2 kW ground-mount array will provide 100 percent of the power needs for the Crescent Beach Cottages, a waterfront vacation resort on scenic West Hawk Lake in the Whiteshell Provincial Park.

Installer Evolve Green of Manitoba and the resort owners chose APsystems YC500A dual-module microinverters for their high production and the integrated Energy Monitoring & Analysis system. The APsystems EMA allows real-time monitoring of individual modules in the array to ensure optimal production at all times.

The resort’s rocky, forested terrain posed a challenge for installation – system designers had little room to work with – but creative placement put the topography to advantage. Installers mounted the second row of modules on a rocky tier some 8 feet above grade, allowing the two racks of modules to be placed closer together and conserve space.

The two-rack ground-mount system includes 308 modules and 154 APsystems microinverter units per rack — more than 600 modules and 300 microinverters total — provided through Canadian solar equipment dealer National Solar Distributors.

In addition to achieving “net zero” energy use for the resort, the owners will recover 30 percent of their investment through a rebate program by regional utility Manitoba Hydro.

See a video of the Crescent Beach Cottages array here.

Lowen home and organic family farm, Coldstream, British Columbia

/in ,

Helmi and Kornelius Lowen of Coldstream, British Columbia, wanted to eliminate their power bill – or better yet, start getting a check from the power company under the local net-metering program. Working with a leading Canadian installer Got Solar?, they were able to populate three slopes of their farmhouse roof with solar panels powered by APsystems microinverters.

GOT-SOLAR-HIGH-RES

 

The output from the solar array should come very close to achieving “net-zero” and maybe even “net-positive,” creating more power than the Lowen home and farm consume in a year. The grid-tied array was so ambitious, local power provider BC Hydro came out and upgraded the transformer and replaced the pole – at no charge to the Lowens.

Helmie-and-Kornelius

Add it up, and the Lowens earn distinction as Canada’s first 100-percent solar organic farm.

“What makes this project so special, is that even before we installed the solar system, the Lowens in essence already used solar power to create the majority of their profits,” said Chris Palmer of Got Solar? “The fruits, vegetables and other produce grown by this organic farm are all powered by the sun.”

The 3.7-acre family farm in Canada’s rich Okanagan valley raises tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, strawberries, spinach, lettuce, potatoes, beans, peas, beats, corn, squash, zucchini, and in one recent year, some 27,000 heads of garlic.

DJI_0176

“Just about anything you need in a kitchen, it’s right here,” Helmi Lowen told Okanagan Seniors in a video feature. “I get bored very quickly and so does Kornelius, so we enjoy doing the gardening.”

Perhaps more impressive: the Lowens, now in their late 70s and mid-80s, respectively, still work the farm largely on their own.

By helping the Lowens create enough power for both home and farm, Got Solar? and APsystems microinverters helped the couple complete the last link in their quest for self-sustainability. And they still plan to upgrade to an electric car.

Launched in 2015, Got Solar? provides grid-tied and off-grid solar energy systems in Kelowna, B.C., and surrounding areas for residential and commercial clients. They are also the only solar company in the Okanagan that caters to DIY installers.

For the Coldstream Corner project, Got Solar? selected APsystems YC500 dual-module microinverters to support 93, 315-watt modules by Canadian Solar, all but two being 72-cell units. Two 60-cell modules were required due to space constraints around a chimney.

Palmer cited the flexibility of APsystems microinverters that allowed system designers to handle the different module sizes seamlessly. That promises forward-compatibility through the life of the array, he said.

DJI_0201-HDR

“Should a solar module ever be damaged or fail in the next 30 years, APsystems has essentially ‘future proofed’ their product by making it so widely compatible through its wide-ranging input capabilities,” Palmer says. “No longer do you have to try and find vintage matching panels, rather, you replace with whatever is currently in use and in inventory.

“Thank you, APsystems, for allowing our crews to have shorter installation times, higher productivity, and ease-of-installation that has no equal.”

Like APsystems microinverters, the Lowens are proud examples of industry and productivity over the long haul.

“A lot of seniors come here and say, ‘I couldn’t do what you’re doing,’ and I don’t believe that,” Helmi Lowen told Okanagan Seniors. “A lot of people could do it. They don’t have to do it, but they could do it. They say no to big gardens, but they could start small in their own backyard or even in their apartment. There’s always a plot there for seniors to go and get their hands dirty.

“If you say you can’t, you can’t. But if you say you can, you can.”
Location: Okanagan, British Columbia
Capacity: 29kW
Installer: Got Solar?, B.C., Canada
Modules: Canadian Solar 315W, 72-cell and 60-cell monocrystalline
Number of modules: 93
Microinverters: APsystems YC500 dual module
No. of microinverters: 47