APsystems Announces PVRSE Compatibility with its APsmart RSD and SMA Inverters

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Module-level Rapid Shutdown solution for SMA-powered solar arrays in the United States

SEATTLE–APsystems welcomes SMA to its growing network of inverter manufacturers compatible with its APsmart brand of Sunspec standard-compliant Photovoltaic Rapid Shutdown Equipment (PVRSE). Solar professionals in the United States can now combine the complete range of SunSpec Rapid Shutdown-certified SMA inverters with a reliable, safe and cost-effective APsmart Rapid Shutdown solution. Available throughout APsmart US distribution partner networks, the APsmart RSD has been certified by CSA to meet the UL 1741 standard for electrical safety and is fully compliant with the National Electric Code (NEC) 2014, 2017 and 2020 690.12 Rapid Shutdown Requirements.

“We are proud to have SMA, one of the most respected and recognized brands in the industry, join our list of inverter manufacturing partners using the APsmart RSD with their products,” said Olivier Jacques, APsystems business unit president and global executive vice president.

Already compatible with leading inverter manufacturers including Chint, CSI, Delta, Fronius, GoodWe, Growatt, Solectria and Solis, the APsmart RSD comes with a 25-year warranty, and tens of thousands of units have already been installed around the world since its launch last year.

“The APsmart RSD is Sunspec certified for rapid shutdown and delivers an easy, reliable and cost-effective solution for code compliance,” said Charles Ellis, VP of sales for the Americas region, SMA America. “When paired with SMA inverters, installers can be confident this technology will deliver best-in-class performance.”

As a result of intensive testing and cooperation from both SMA and APsystems, the approved Rapid Shutdown solution will now be available to customers through the APsmart distribution channel.

“The APsmart RSD solution is quickly being accepted as the new industry benchmark for rapid shutdown devices,” said Dr. Yuhao Luo, APsystems CTO. “We’ve built a powerful, reliable product that through its core function prioritizes the safety of homeowners and first responders.”

Technical documentation on the RSD-S-PLC can be found on the APsmart website where interested installers and SMA channel partners can also register for an upcoming training webinar on the APsmart PVRSE.

New Chint 25kW Inverter Now Listed Under APsmart’s PVRSS Solution Sunspec Standard Compliance

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APsmart proudly announces that the new Chint three phase 25kW 208Vac inverter is now listed on its Photovoltaic Rapid Shutdown System (PVRSS) certification to the UL 1741 standard. That brings the total of Chint inverter models tested by CSA and certified to be used with APsmart’s PVRSS solutions to five.

Joining Chint are five other unique inverter brands that have been added to the APsmart PVRSS certified compatibility list, including Delta, Fronius, SolaX, Solis and Solectria. More inverter manufacturers and models continue to be tested and added to the ever-growing list of compatible inverters with APsmart’s PVRSS.

The new 25kW Chint three-phase string inverter is designed for rooftop and carport PV applications. This compact unit is a high-performance, advanced and reliable inverter designed specifically for the North American environment and grid. This product ships with a Rapid Shutdown wire-box, fully integrated and separable with touch-safe fusing, monitoring, and AC and DC disconnect switches. The integrated PLC transmitter in the Rapid Shutdown wire-box enables PVRSS certified module-level rapid shutdown when used with the APsmart RSD products.

The compatibility of these inverters and APsmart’s Rapid Shutdown System (PVRSS) enables APsmart to offer a more reliable, flexible, safe and cost-effective solution to both residential and commercial systems. The APsmart PVRSS has been certified by CSA to meet the UL 1741 standard for electrical safety and is fully compliant with the National Electric Code (NEC) 2014, 2017, and 2020 690.12 Rapid Shutdown requirements.

A key part of the APsmart PVRSS is the Rapid Shutdown Device (RSD). APsmart’s RSD System offers built-in safety, reliable technology, and is already CSA, TUV and SunSpec Alliance certified, which demonstrates the robust safety and quality of the RSD product. The APsmart RSD has already been shipped and installed in multiple projects around the world, and is ready for application to your next project.

APsystems Announces Tigo Claims against Parent Company Withdrawn

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SEATTLE–APsystems is pleased to announce that Tigo Energy has withdrawn its claims against APsystems’ parent company, Zhejiang Yuneng Technology. In an amended complaint that Tigo filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California late last month, Tigo amended its complaint to remove all claims against the parent company. APsystems views this as a positive development and confirmation that there is no evidence that its parent company has committed any act that Tigo can accuse of infringement.

APsystems continues to remain confident that it does not infringe on any valid Tigo IP, and will continue to vigorously defend its rights in this case. APsystems is currently working with its legal team to respond to Tigo’s complaint by October 19, 2020. A Case Management Conference is scheduled with the judge on October 28, 2020, at which time APsystems will learn more about the judge’s thoughts on case scheduling and procedure.

5 benefits to standardized solutions for rapid shutdown

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By Tom Tansy, chairman of the SunSpec Alliance

Rapid shutdown compliance has become a bit of a pain point for professionals in the solar industry, but there is good reason for this rule when it comes to first responder safety and working around a solar array. While safety is the essential and most important purpose, rapid shutdown also has a host of other benefits.

With 34 states now requiring rapid shutdown for PV arrays, compliance is necessary. But it doesn’t have to be painful. A growing number of manufacturers and balance-of-system suppliers have recognized that producing solutions that can operate using the same open communication standard and specifications, which the SunSpec Alliance has developed, can make it much easier for industry professionals to design projects and install systems that function well for the life of the system.

There are a multitude of benefits when using a standardized solution that is SunSpec-certified for rapid shutdown, from risk mitigation to compatibility to cost. Here is a closer look at five of the key benefits for solar installers.

Freedom of choice

SunSpec rapid shutdown-certified solutions offer more choice to installers. Ideally, as more solutions are certified, installers will have a wide selection of products and solutions from multiple suppliers that can be combined and work across a common communication standard.

This means an installer won’t be locked into one brand or platform, or have to rely on a single supplier with a non-standardized solution, but will instead have several component choices that can work across systems while meeting their individual needs or preferences when it comes to other features like size, color or cost.

Cost reduction

The adoption of standardized products will help stabilize the market and reduce the risk associated with relying on one supplier. This makes it more cost-effective to use standardized solutions for rapid shutdown. With standardized components, the cost for each item goes down, so the final assembly of a system will have a lower overall build cost.

This savings could be passed on to the consumer, or it can be recuperated as profit for the installer. Either way, it’s a winning strategy.

Checks system health

When using a product certified with SunSpec’s rapid shutdown technology, the signaling system acts as a health check. Every time the system is commissioned (which essentially happens every time the sun comes up), if every panel turns on and transmits a signal, a customer will know their system is working. If something doesn’t work in a panel or inverter, it will be apparent right away as long as the customer has gained some understanding of their system and how it operates.

This makes it easier for a customer to know when to call a service provider for a repair, whereas a system that doesn’t operate with standardized solutions could take months to indicate any problems.

Compatibility of components and seamless integration

In today’s industry, amid COVID-19 and trade tensions, no supplier is really safe from disruption to their business. But imagine you design a system based on one brand or a single supplier, and the product malfunctions or fails. What if that supplier has gone out of business or halted manufacturing five years from now?

Instead, when installers use a product that is SunSpec-certified for rapid shutdown, it would be much easier to find a compatible product to replace it with, whether or not the original supplier is operating. The installer can pick any component and place it in the array, and the system will continue to operate with no disruption as opposed to working with an out-of-stock product, which would require an entire redesign.

This means long-term system health, knowing components can be easily updated or replaced and still be interoperable.

Simpler compliance and satisfied customers

With more standardized solutions for rapid shutdown coming onto the market, installers have additional options that they know will be compliant with rapid shutdown requirements. An installer does not have to wait for a product to be available from a certain supplier, and the system build won’t be held up because of a missing component. In turn, customers will be more satisfied as they are less likely to experience delays in their systems being commissioned.

The SunSpec Alliance is committed to applying standards to the distributed energy industry, which will ultimately help transform the solar PV marketplace and create an environment that makes it easier and more cost-effective for solar professionals to do business.

See Article here.

CPS Webinar Promotes Benefits of APsmart Rapid Shutdown Solutions: Elegant, Simple, Cost-effective

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On March 26th, CPS America, the leading commercial inverter supplier in the U.S., hosted an in-depth webinar on the evolution of Rapid Shutdown (RSD) requirements, and detailing the RSD solutions, in particular, APsmart’s Rapid Shutdown Solution which has already been both lab & field tested and commercially installed.

APsmart and CPS have established a long-term partnership to promote this innovative new solution for module-level Rapid Shutdown to meet and exceed NEC 2017 standards.

APsmart is the best choice among available RSD solutions:

-Simple: the APsmart RSD solution is simple to install and easy to use. It not only fulfills the NEC code requirement, but is already in the field with proven compatibility with CPS.

-Flexible: The APsmart RSD-S-PLC is flexible enough for install on multiple locations on PV modules, especially with Bifacial. With its clever clip-on design, there’s no need to drill into the frame, and it’s easy to install & replace if needed.

-Reliable: APsmart RSD solutions focus solely on the RSD function, meaning fewer electronics in the system and greater reliability in the field compared with 1:2 and 1:4 monitoring designs.

APsmart’s RSD System offers built-in safety, reliable technology, and is already CSA, TUV and SunSpec Alliance certified, emphasizing the robust safety and quality of the RSD product. The APsmart RSD has already been shipped and installed in multiple projects around the world, and is ready for application to your next project.