APSystems installation

[bob-n]

If you're saying that everything is working now, great! Or are you saying that there is still a problem?

[derrickhoward]

I replaced the 2 conductor trunk with the 3 conductor trunk... half the system works properly now. Waiting for it to quit raining & to warm up a bit the do the other branch.

[EngineerX]

To the OP bob-n, How reliably have these QS1 microinverters performed? Any issues that you've had since you finish the install? Hope they're performing well, as I'm considering a few for a setup I'm considering.

[bob-n]

To date, I've had no issues with the QS1. No maintenance required, no faults.

[EngineerX]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the QS1's. I'll give them a try and also get the ECU-R for monitoring. Hopefully vendor is correct when they assured end-user can set up ECU-R connection to microinverters without the need for a APSystems certified technician.

[bob-n]

Before you start installing, you want to draw a picture of your planned array and number each panel location.

When you install, you will wire four PV panels to each QS1. As you go, for each panel, you'll write down panel location number, QS1 serial number and QS1 port number. There's no need to keep track of panel serial numbers, but if you are really compulsive, you can do that as well.

I needed some support from my vendor for setup because I am not a registered APsystems installer. The vendor logged into APsystems servers, entered my QS1 serial numbers and the panel locations for each port. From then on, I was able to handle it. With that in their server, you can access their server from your cell phone or web browser and query the power from any panel at any time, in a pretty graphical display.

You want to get assurances from your vendor that they are willing to do the same for you. From then on, it's no more complex than setting up a web camera or other smart-home device.

If you have any other questions, let me know and I'll try to help.

[EngineerX]

Very helpful advice, much appreciated. It was one of the posts on this thread that alerted me about needing to be a registered installer to open the account on servers. So I did call the vendor in Texas and they said they would help with setting up the account. I'll reach out if I have a question. I've watched all the APSystems youtube channel videos on the QS1 and ECU-R and with your install write-up I should have no problems installing and connecting the micros. I plan on running 9 QS1's. Each trunk bus of 3 micros routed to a junction box to transition to #10 THHN in conduits from roof to a subpanel with 20A breakers. I'll use a 60A non-fused AC disconnect between subpanel and main service panel. I'll draw a diagram as recommended.

[e2russ]

Thanks Bob for sharing your wisdom on the install. I will be installing 6 QS1's and 24 450w panels on my shop this month. Waiting for all the parts to come in! I'll add some photos of the install.

[EngineerX]

I"ve been running 6 QS1's with 24 previously used $65 SolarWorld SW235 panels. They've been trouble-free so far. Still have another uninstalled 24 panels and 3 QS1's. Not sure if I'll install them. I'll have to check at the end of the 12-month NET metering cycle. I don't want to have an excessive surplus. I've switched to electrical heaters for our living spaces and replacing natural gas water heater for a hybrid heat pump. Just my luck, the Calif Public Utilities Commission in cahoots with a couple of the big power companies (SCE & PG&E) want to add a "fee" for solar power generation to compensate for decline in profits and "subsequent" burden (price hikes) to those who don't have solar panels.... I digress... here's a couple of pics of my install


Bottom 4 rows are the installed arrays. Top 2 came with the house (SunRun lease.... yeah, phooey! had to take over lease, but no regrets - needed a house)
Yes - wire management has been done using Ironridge wire clips and UV zip ties. APS EMA monitoring app screenshots included. Hope these last!

IMG_20211217_115032s.jpgIMG_20211217_114959s.jpg
IMG_20211106_153609s.jpgapsemaappforandroid_s.jpg

[Mike90250]

Why do i see at least 2 unconnected MC4 looking connectors hanging under the panels ?

[EngineerX]

Why do i see at least 2 unconnected MC4 looking connectors hanging under the panels ?

I had not yet finished the install when I took that pic
They're all connected now and properly secured with the Ironridge wire clips and UV zip ties. Otherwise, on the EMA App Module screen, you wouldn't see all 24 panels producing.