New APsystems DS3 Microinverter Rivals Enphase 

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Great point. Not all inverters are built alike, so it's important to go with those that continue to push the technology to drive efficiency up across the board and not just for a peak efficiency listing. We are on our 3rd generation residential dual-module microinverter which has a greater load/output efficiency than any generation before it. Another interesting point is that most of the inverters available have a peak efficiency around 97%. I compare this to a football game where the ball is at the 3 yard line in front of the goal. The most advanced solar panels are 25% efficient, maybe 30% or so in the lab. That's where the game is. So much more potential there where we can push to get new solar cell technology out to the market where there are far more advances to be made in efficiency.

APsystems has a special heat mitigation architecture that allows it to perform high power conversion. Our systems are deployed in climates all over the world, but specifically performing well in hot zones like Phoenix and Las Vegas. They may get warm to the touch, but every power conversion device will.

Loss of what? Just add more solar panels…they’re cheap!

The loss is like 2% and provides so many advantages of which safety is only one. And like already commented just add one more panel to cover for that loss as they are so cheap.

@@TurreTuntematon it’s not 2%

@@crcurran Ok, maybe 2-4% but makes no difference as panels cost nothing nowadays.

@@TurreTuntematon"maybe 2-4%" I didn't realize I have to actually do the math for but here we are. Enphase Microinverters which is the leading microinverter has a 96.5% efficiency so converting to AC will be 96.5%. Now let's assume that you're also using the Enphase AC battery which actually uses a bunch of microinverters that you would use on the solar, would be attached to the top of the Enphase battery. It's efficiency would be 96.5%. So, that solar energy generated multipled by .965 to convert to AC then multiply again at .965 to have the final energy sent to the battery as 93.1%. A nearly 7% loss. If it was DC solar to Hybrid inverter to DC battery you would not lose that ~7% Now let's address the "just add another panel" argument. Some people don't have to extra space on their roof. Some State's Eletricty grid providers limit that solar system to 10k before they start treating you asa second tier 2 energy provider and pay you less per kilowatt you sell to them. I want max power output out of that 10k solar system since it's not a good idea to add even one more watt of solar pv to the system. I would do Hybrid Inverter with power optimizers for max power generation and send the power to DC Battery and to a DC EVSE to power an EV and avoid the EV's onboard chare port inverter which are grossly inefficient. Tesla Model 3 is ~89.5% efficiency in L2 AC charging. L1 charging AC charging is an abysmal 70%. So, no, the answer is not always just add another panel or two and no the loss is not 2-4%.

I'm also a fan to getting right to it.

I agree that one micro (one MPPT) at every panel provides superior monitoring. That's why APsystems dual module microinverters have TWO MPPTs, one for each channel so you can see module level performance for each panel. The point about the PV modules was just to say that you want to make sure you are feeding as much energy to the inverter as possible with higher W panels because PV module manufacturers overrate their performance. Not enough DC input to the inverter will give you lackluster performance and a higher powered PV module will not negatively impact the inverter, you would simply have increased clipping. Good point on getting the micros pre-installed, that will definitely save you time on the roof. However, competing solutions like Enphase require more inverters for the same output and pair with significantly more lower W PV modules that not only cost more but take up more space on the roof than APsystems-paired PV modules of higher capacity. Enphase did finally come out with a high capacity microinverter, the IQ8HC, which has the exact same specs as our DS3-L which came out in 2021 (except it's 2:1 so 768W instead of 384W). Lastly, you are right that many consumers like a complete energy management system, which is why we also offer an energy storage solution (APstorage) to complement our microinverter offering. usa.apsystems.com/apstorage/

@@jasonhigginson5718 Thanks for your comments. I was talking about Energy Management System for the house including heat pumps, generators and so on as well. Not only Battery Management System. Enphase already tried the one inverter for two panels system back likf 4 years ago. It was a hazzle and installers wanted the 1:1 instead. What would be nice to have is stackable batteries so that you install one but can increase storage by just dropping another one on top.

I was referring to the DS3 series which includes the DS3-D which has a 2000W output. APsystems continues to lead the industry in microinverter advancements and technology.

@@jasonhigginson5718 perhaps you are unaware of the HMS 2000 then as well with a 2000 watt output. I been installing it for almost 2 years.

BS, Enphase is perfect for a battery setup

Probably you don't know the APStorage, the microinverter hibrid inverter with lithium battery.

@@kennyredjo505 No they aren't. You lose a ton of energy in DC->AC->DC conversion. Simply doesn't make any sense.

@@eduardonicolAll these systems waste too much energy.

Solar panels are cheap. If you are worried about power conversion loss add more panels. I have an all enphase solar w/battery setup and it’s flawless.