Gersh Ball, co-founder of Zeno Renewables, gives an honest assessment of the DS3 Series—from installation and commissioning to performance, durability and long-term value.
His verdict: 5/5 for installation and usability, 5/5 for value, and a microinverter built to perform through Canada’s extreme heat and cold.
Thank you to Gersh and the Zeno Renewables team for sharing their experience!
Hear directly from APsystems homeowners as they share why they chose APsystems microinverter and energy storage solutions to power their homes.
From lowering electric bills and charging EVs with solar energy to gaining backup power during outages, these homeowners explain how solar and storage have changed the way they think about energy. They also discuss the benefits of APsystems microinverters, battery backup, and real-time monitoring through the APsystems app, allowing them to track production, energy flow, and savings from anywhere.
Whether the goal is energy independence, resilience during grid outages, environmental stewardship, or long-term savings, these stories highlight the real-world impact of investing in solar and storage.
Watch as APsystems customers share their experiences and discover how APsystems solutions are helping homeowners take greater control of their power, their costs, and their future.
In Victoria, British Columbia, a 50 kW solar installation is helping a local Gurdwara turn deeply held values into meaningful action. Completed by Suntech Solar Solutions, the Victoria Gurdwara Project was named a Non-Profit winner in the 2025 APsystems Canadian Project of the Year Awards, recognizing an installation that extends far beyond energy production.
A Gurdwara is a Sikh place of worship, but it also serves as an important gathering place centered on equality, generosity, and service. Sikh teachings emphasize respect for all creation and a responsibility to use natural resources wisely, making renewable energy a natural fit for the Gurdwara and its mission.
“Our favourite project this year was a Gurdwara in Victoria, BC,” Suntech Solar Solutions shared in its award submission. “A project that went far beyond solar energy and into shared values.”
The south-facing solar system now produces clean, renewable energy while significantly reducing the Gurdwara’s monthly operating costs. Those savings can be redirected toward programs, services, and the people who rely on the Gurdwara as a place of worship and community support.
“Going solar was a natural extension of those values,” Suntech Solar Solutions explained. “By installing a 50 kW south-facing solar system, the Gurdwara is now producing clean, renewable energy while significantly reducing monthly operating costs. Those savings can be redirected back into what matters most: serving the community.”
That community-centered purpose is especially meaningful within the Langar, the communal kitchen found at the heart of every Gurdwara. Built around the principles of equality, sharing, and service, the Langar provides meals to visitors regardless of their background or circumstances. By lowering long-term energy expenses, the solar installation helps support the Gurdwara’s ability to continue that work more sustainably for decades to come.
The project demonstrates how renewable energy can support both environmental responsibility and cultural tradition. Rather than functioning as a standalone infrastructure upgrade, the system strengthens the Gurdwara’s broader mission by helping conserve resources, lower costs, and create lasting value for the community.
APsystems DS3 microinverters played an important role in delivering the efficient, reliable, and straightforward system the project required. Because each connected module can operate independently, the microinverter-based design helps maximize production across the array as conditions change throughout the day.
“The system uses APsystems DS3 microinverters, which allowed each panel to operate independently,” Suntech Solar Solutions noted. “This maximized energy production across the entire south-facing array, ensuring optimal performance even with changing conditions over time.”
The microinverters also provided a practical and cost-effective solution for a project of this size, supporting strong system performance without adding unnecessary complexity. Their proven reliability and long operating life help reduce maintenance concerns while supporting consistent clean energy production over the years ahead.
“By using APsystems microinverters, we were able to deliver a worry-free system that aligns with the Gurdwara’s values,” the company shared, “producing clean energy reliably while supporting their mission of service, equality, and environmental responsibility.”
The Victoria Gurdwara Project is a powerful example of how solar can do more than offset electricity use. It can help a community organization operate more sustainably, preserve resources, and direct more of its funding toward the people it serves.
By bringing together thoughtful design, APsystems microinverter technology, and a mission rooted in service, Suntech Solar Solutions helped create an installation that reflects the Gurdwara’s values while supporting its work for generations to come.
Exciting things are happening for our microinverter lineup in Canada. Ready Solar recently completed the first Canadian installation of our QS2, with support from our Technical Support Manager, Mele Thompson.
Mele was on-site to support the install, share technical expertise, capture footage, and connect with one of our Canadian installer partners throughout the process.
A big thank you to Ready Solar for the opportunity to be part of this milestone installation—we appreciate the collaboration and continued partnership.
At its headquarters in Calgary, Alberta, Solar YYC has created more than just a renewable energy system. The company’s award-winning commercial project demonstrates how solar can serve as both a high-performing energy solution and an architectural feature. Winner in the Commercial category of the 2025 APsystems Canadian Project of the Year Awards, the Solar YYC Headquarters Project transforms the company’s office into a living example of clean energy in action.
The 16 kW DC solar awning features 40 south-facing modules that generate renewable electricity while enhancing the building’s appearance and functionality. Beyond offsetting office energy consumption, the system provides window shading and improved occupant comfort, creating a striking visual centerpiece that demonstrates how solar technology can be seamlessly integrated into commercial design.
For Solar YYC, the project was an opportunity to lead by example.
“In 2025, Solar YYC brought solar energy home by transforming our Calgary headquarters into a living example of clean energy in action,” the company shared in its project submission. “We wanted to lead by example and show that sustainability can be both functional and beautiful.”
Designed, engineered, and installed entirely by Solar YYC’s in-house team, the project reflects the craftsmanship, collaboration, and attention to detail that define the company’s approach to solar installations. Every aspect of the solar awning was carefully planned to balance energy production, aesthetics, and long-term performance.
APsystems QT2-208 microinverters played an important role in helping the project achieve those goals.
“Solar YYC used APsystems QT2-208 microinverters for their solar awning project located at their main office,” the company explained. “The size limitations of three-phase string inverters made the QT2 a perfect solution for this smaller array.”
The QT2 architecture also helped maximize production across the installation while providing a practical demonstration of microinverter technology for customers visiting the Solar YYC office.
“It allows for optimal performance for the modules located on the west side of the building,” Solar YYC noted. “By having the QT2s visible while walking underneath the solar awning, it gives clients the opportunity to see a microinverter system in action.”
That educational component has become one of the project’s most unique features. As customers visit Solar YYC’s headquarters, they can see firsthand how a microinverter-based solar system operates while experiencing the aesthetic and functional benefits of the solar awning itself.
The project serves as a tangible representation of Solar YYC’s commitment to renewable energy and the communities it serves. More than an office improvement, the headquarters installation demonstrates how thoughtful solar design can enhance commercial buildings while delivering clean energy and long-term value.
By combining innovative design, in-house expertise, and APsystems microinverter technology, Solar YYC’s Headquarters Project highlights what is possible when sustainability, performance, and architecture come together in a single installation.
On Thetis Island, a small Gulf Island community known for its commitment to sustainability and self-reliance, Oceanvolt Solar & EV has delivered an award-winning solar project with lasting impact.
Their 40 kW installation at the Thetis Island Community Center is designed to offset an estimated 95–100% of the site’s annual energy use—supporting both energy independence and long-term resilience for the community.
The Thetis Island Community Center serves as a central hub for events, meetings, and essential services, supporting local coordination and acting as a key resource during community initiatives and emergencies. With the addition of solar, it now benefits from lower operating costs and greater energy independence, helping ensure reliable, long-term service in the community.
Recognized as the APsystems Canada Non-Profit Project of the Year, the installation highlights how distributed solar can strengthen critical infrastructure while reducing reliance on mainland power.
Built for coastal conditions, the system needed to perform through variable light, shading, and a unique site layout. Oceanvolt selected APsystems DS3-L microinverters to give each module independent optimization, helping maximize production and maintain strong performance across the array.
“The use of APsystems DS3-L microinverters was a key factor in the success of the Thetis Island 40 kW solar project,” said Marcus Downer of Oceanvolt Solar & EV. “Their high efficiency and dual-module design allowed us to maximize production while adapting to the site’s unique conditions.”
With module-level monitoring, both the installer and the community can track performance in real time—adding visibility, simplifying maintenance, and building long-term confidence in the system.
For Oceanvolt Solar & EV, the project is a reflection of thoughtful design, quality installation, and a shared vision for sustainability. For the broader industry, it is a compelling example of how microinverter-based solar can help nonprofits and community organizations achieve meaningful, lasting impact.
On the coast of Vancouver Island, Hakai Energy Solutions is showing how careful planning and high-quality equipment can turn a complex rooftop into a high-performing residential solar installation. Their project in Lantzville, British Columbia earned recognition in the Residential category in the annual APsystems Project of the Year Awards.
The system was designed for a large coastal home with a challenging multi-faceted roof, requiring precise array layout and detailed electrical planning to maximize solar production across multiple pitches and orientations. The completed installation includes 70 Longi LR7 450W modules, totaling 31.5 kWdc, paired with 36 APsystems DS3-L microinverters delivering 26.88 kWac. The result is a clean, organized installation built to provide reliable, high-efficiency energy generation in a demanding coastal environment.
The project began with a homeowner seeking a high-capacity solar solution to reduce grid reliance at their Lantzville property. Although the home’s roof presented design challenges, an initial site assessment revealed strong solar potential. Hakai responded with a customized system layout engineered to capture production across varying roof facets while maintaining a polished final appearance. The project also built on an existing client relationship, as Hakai had previously completed a residential solar installation for the same homeowner at another property, also using APsystems microinverters.
For Hakai, APsystems technology played an important role in making the project successful.
“APsystems DS3-L microinverters made it possible to handle multiple pitches and azimuths without production losses, thanks to module-level optimization and independent operation,” said Dawson Erskine, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator at Hakai Energy Solutions. “The integrated rapid shutdown capability removed the need for separate RSD hardware, reducing rooftop equipment and streamlining installation.”
That streamlined design carried through to the electrical room as well. Hakai noted that the AC architecture simplified wiring and allowed all circuits to be combined into a dedicated solar-only panel, improving organization, serviceability, and overall system performance.
Erskine also pointed to the broader advantages of the DS3 platform in residential applications.
“The APsystems DS3 series is a robust, easy-to-install microinverter product line,” he said. “Using dual-module architecture reduces installation time and overall system costs. The output and power conversion efficiency of the DS3 pairs well with a wide range of module capacities, and the EMA software provides a straightforward way for homeowners to access module and system-level performance.”
That visibility has translated into strong customer satisfaction. According to Hakai, end users consistently report high satisfaction with the performance of their solar systems, with module-level monitoring being especially valued for the clear insight it provides into the performance of each panel. The intuitive monitoring interface also makes it easy for homeowners to track production and system health over time.
Support has been another differentiator in Hakai’s experience with APsystems.
“Support from APsystems is consistently accessible and responsive,” Erskine added. “Over the past few years, both the products and the service have shown notable improvements, enhancing overall reliability and ease of use in solar projects.”
Hakai Energy Solutions serves residential, commercial, municipal, and off-grid markets, and the Lantzville project reflects the company’s commitment to tailored engineering and quality workmanship across every installation. By combining detailed design, clean execution, and module-level optimization, the project demonstrates how residential solar can deliver both strong performance and long-term value, even on complex coastal rooftops.
At APsystems, we believe the future of solar is built by the installers who bring advanced technology to life in communities across North America. Each year, our Project of the Year program spotlights installations that reflect thoughtful system design, technical expertise, and meaningful impact.
The 2025 Canadian submissions showcased innovation across residential, nonprofit, and commercial applications, highlighting how solar continues to grow from coast to coast. We are proud to recognize this year’s Canadian Project of the Year winners and runners-up.
Hakai Energy Solutions earns top residential honors for a large-scale coastal installation in Lantzville, BC. This 31.5 kWdc system spans multiple roof facets with varying pitches and orientations, requiring precise design and electrical planning to maximize output in a challenging environment.
Using APsystems DS3-L microinverters, Hakai delivered module-level optimization across complex azimuths while maintaining a clean, streamlined aesthetic. The integrated rapid shutdown capability reduced additional rooftop hardware, and the AC architecture simplified wiring into a dedicated solar-only panel. The result is a high-performing residential system built for long-term reliability in a demanding coastal climate.
Ready Solar takes residential runner-up for a 24.3 kW installation designed to offset the substantial energy use of a large family home in the Greater Vancouver area. With limited utility service availability and no dedicated electrical room for centralized inverter equipment, the project required a flexible approach.
APsystems DS3 microinverters provided the ideal solution. Module-level monitoring, rapid shutdown compliance, and a 25-year warranty delivered both performance and peace of mind. Mounted discreetly beneath the modules, the microinverters enabled a sleek finish while overcoming site constraints.
Solar YYC earns commercial honors for transforming its Calgary headquarters into a functional and architectural solar showcase. The 16 kW DC solar awning integrates 40 south-facing modules that generate renewable energy while enhancing building comfort and aesthetics.
QT2-208 microinverters were selected to address AC capacity limitations common with small three-phase string inverter solutions. The microinverter architecture allows optimal performance across array orientations and gives visiting clients a visible, real-world example of distributed solar technology in action. Designed and installed entirely in-house, the project reflects Solar YYC’s craftsmanship and commitment to leading by example.
Congratulations to all of our 2025 Canadian Project of the Year winners and honorees. Your work demonstrates how intelligent system design, reliable technology, and strong community partnerships continue to elevate the standard for solar installations across Canada.
We are proud to support installers who are building the future of clean energy.
This year’s nonprofit category resulted in an exceptional tie. Both projects demonstrated equal strength in technical execution, community impact, and long-term sustainability goals.
Oceanvolt Solar & EV completed a 40 kW installation designed to offset nearly 100 percent of the community center’s annual energy use. Located on Thetis Island, this project reflects the region’s deep commitment to environmental stewardship and energy independence.
APsystems DS3-L microinverters enabled optimized production in coastal and variable-light conditions, while the monitoring platform provides real-time, module-level visibility. The system not only reduces reliance on mainland electricity but serves as a model for resilient energy in small communities.
Suntech Solar Solutions delivered a 50 kW south-facing system at the Victoria Gurdwara, a Sikh temple rooted in principles of equality, service, and environmental responsibility. The project extends beyond energy generation. It supports the temple’s mission by lowering operating costs and enabling more resources to be directed back into community service, including its Langar, or community kitchen.
APsystems DS3 microinverters ensured independent panel operation for consistent production and long-term reliability. The system balances performance, cost-effectiveness, and durability, aligning renewable energy with cultural values and long-term community benefit.
Swiftwater Electric and Solar has been serving customers since 2005 as a trusted electrical contractor in the San Juan Islands. Recently, they’ve expanded their services to include solar, batteries, and generators, offering high-quality installations tailored to each customer’s unique energy needs. “We work closely with our customers to design and install solar systems that are efficient, reliable, and cost-effective,” says owner David Nicol. Their passion for solar energy drives their commitment to making clean energy accessible to everyone, helping build a sustainable future for the community.
David Nicol shared why Swiftwater Electric and Solar chose APsystems microinverters for their solar projects. “They have a sub-1% unit failure rate, which is great,” he says, highlighting APsystems’ reliability. The 2:1 architecture “means we have half the equipment on the roof — and half the opportunity for anything to fail,” providing peace of mind for both installers and homeowners.
Cost savings are another major benefit: “Now an inverter system is less than a solar panel on a per-watt basis — that saves us money and saves our customers money,” Nicol explains. Combined with APsystems’ extended warranty, the switch has been seamless: “I have fully switched over to APS and so far it’s been a great experience for us.”
As early adopters in their market, Swiftwater Electric and Solar has also set a trend among other installers. “More than three-quarters of the time, when we compete with another installer, they’re also quoting APS — that makes me feel better about my choice,” Nicol notes. With APsystems, Swiftwater Electric and Solar has found a solution that is reliable, cost-effective, and widely trusted — a perfect match for their commitment to delivering high-quality, customer-focused solar solutions.
Located at the Nanjing International Expo Center in China, this landmark 25MW solar project spans over 150,000 square meters. It features 6,442 APsystems QT2D microinverters and more than 40,000 high-efficiency photovoltaic modules. The system is expected to generate approximately 24.8 million kWh annually, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 25,000 tons each year—the equivalent of planting 900,000 trees. This project sets a global benchmark for clean energy, showcasing the power of microinverter technology in driving sustainable, low-carbon development.
