Sparks Electrical News March 2024

monitoring and control, as well as device configuration. This helps when the internet is either not available at all or is temporarily down – it allows you to still be in control. When asked if this technology can be used if a client is using non-APEX hardware, Roche responds, “We have developed a hardware solution for that – we call it our ‘EDGE’ device. It is agnostic, so we can connect it to many popular brands – inverters, batteries and gensets can benefit from many of the same features.” Proudly South African ApexOS is designed, coded and tested in South Africa. “Our team designed the software to perform tasks and functions that a couple of years ago were unheard of,” says Roche. “We started designing ApexOS for our geyser controller originally. It took about two years’ worth of coding at our head office in Cape Town. Our cloud development team is based in Port Elizabeth, and it has been a massive collaborative effort.” What sets ApexOS apart is that it is firmware – software resident on the microcontrollers of the device. “All of our new generation products, whether commercial or residential, now run ApexOS,” says Roche, adding, “What may be different, though, is the APEX cloud interface, depending on the device. For example, a geyser controller has an end-user-friendly interface, while the microgrid controller has a more engineering-centric layout.” To make the most of this product, Roche adds that “understanding the basic features such as fleet control, VPP participation, and secure communications will enable installers or resellers to effectively promote this technology for use in projects with these needs”. Staying up to date Users can easily stay up to date with upgrades, says Roche. “When there is a new feature, for example, you will get a notification, or you can configure your system to automatically download and install updates. Software design does not stand still – we continually develop it, and we add new functionality all the time. If there is a security patch or critical update, we will probably push it automatically to devices.” Roche concludes, “ApexOS combined with APEX Cloud Services is a massive step forward in terms of function and operability, and we think that it is going to make working with our devices not only easier, but more fulfilling as users customise their homes and offices to deliver the best experience possible.” APEX launches revolutionary control & monitoring operating system for renewable energy management

Enquiries: www.apexsolar.tech, www.rubicon.tech