Three-Phase Made Simple

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

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

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

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 Q1 of 2022 with the following models available: DS3-S at 640VA, DS3-L at 768VA & 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.

APsystems looks ahead after a record 2020

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 […]

Need for Speed: Inside the upgrades to the most powerful microinverter on the market

A smart grid needs a very smart inverter – and fast data communications. Solar Builder Magazine dives into the high-speed ZigBee communications capability built into the APsystems QS1, the most powerful microinverter on the market. Up to 3x faster than standard PLC, the QS1 ZigBee creates a 2.4GhZ “mesh” network for fast, reliable performance tracking across your array. Get the whole story in Solar Builder here.

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Five common mistakes that can ruin your PV installation

Mistake No. 1:

You don’t understand the voltages of microinverters in relation to modules. Microinverters operate in a specific voltage window, and give optimal performance with modules designed for the same range. Having an undersized or oversized module may affect production and potentially cause output “clipping.”

 

Mistake No. 2:

You think of monitoring as an “add-on” rather than an integral part of the system. The homeowner likes to know the solar array is working properly and efficiently, and the installer needs it to help diagnose problems (and possibly gives the installer a way to sell a service package). Some installers do not include monitoring in their installations, which leaves both installer and homeowner flying blind. Make monitoring a priority.

 

Mistake No. 3:

You install the gateway device in a poor location. Communication units that relay module performance data need to be sited properly to facilitate strong Power Line Communication between the PV system components.

 

Mistake No. 4:

You set up the communication unit incorrectly. Always make sure to designate inverter numbers and configure local grid parameters properly, to prevent crosstalk with other systems in the area.

Mistake No. 5:

You don’t know your local codes and jurisdictions. Some inspectors may be using 2008, 2011 or 2014 NEC codes, based on state adoption. This could affect the connections and any safety measures needed. Always make friends with the inspector.

 

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APS microinverters are Solar Builder’s cover story for July/August edition

UnknownAPS has reimagined the possibilities of the solar microinverter, and the national media are taking notice. Solar Builder magazine features APS microinverters on the cover of their July/August edition with a lengthy feature story, “Rethinking Microinverters: APS America changes the game with microinverters that power multiple PV modules.”

The cover story touts our advanced APS microinverter technology and the real per-watt costs savings that come with our dual-module microinverter units.

“Our big leap forward was to be able to do a dual that is not twice as big as the single,” APS CEO Kelly Samson says in the story. “There’s a lot of dual use of parts inside that box. The box is 60 percent bigger than a single. That does a lot of magic things for you — makes the box smaller and lighter, makes it more efficient, less costly to manufacture, cheaper to ship and we have a significant price advantage over the competition.”

Read the whole story here.

2014 Trends: Solar Module-Level Power Electronics – Solar Power World

Product reliability distinguishes top microinverter brands, APS VP Michael Ludgate tells Solar Power World in a new article on MLPE trends. Read Micahel’s comments here.

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Trends And Challenges Of Solar Inverters

Solar Power World asked APS VP Michael Ludgate to weigh in on the trends and challenges of solar inverter technology for the online magazine’s recent series. Read Michael’s insights here.  http://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2014/05/trends-challenges-solar-inverters/
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Letting the sun shine in: Habitat for Humanity neighborhood gets solar panels

Blue Frog Solar and Habitat for Humanity have teamed up to bring solar to 32 new homes in Port Orchard (using APS microinverters, of course!), and we get great coverage in the Kitsap Sun newspaper. Read the whole story here.

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