How Does Solar Work?
Solar energy is tricky business – but you have the best team on your side to get everything just right. Explore the image here to understand the role that each piece plays.
Solar Panels turn sunlight to DC energy
An electrical field is created when sunlight hits the solar panels. The product is direct current (DC) electricity which is not used by most homes and appliances.
Micro-inverters convert DC to AC
Electricity flows to the micro inverters that are installed on the roof under the solar panels. Here the DC (direct current) electricity is converted to AC (alternating current) that homes and business use.
Enphase Envoy sends energy to your home or the grid
The envoy box decides when to send power to your home to power your lights and gadgets. If there is no demand for energy in your home, it will be sent to the grid and credited to your utility account.
Electrical meter records energy moving to and from the grid
The AC electricity travels through the meter to the main electric panel, which then delivers electricity throughout your home.
Solar energy charges batteries to be used as you decide
Batteries store the extra energy your panels produce during the day. This stored energy powers your home when the sun isn’t shining, like at night or on cloudy days. Batteries also provide backup power during outages, keeping essential appliances running and adding resilience to your solar system, without a backup system you will not have power during grid outages.
Use what you need, send the rest to the grid
Power your home with clean solar energy as it is produced. Any unused electricity will flow back through your meter, creating a credit on your utility bill. During times of low or no production, you will still be able to pull electricity from the grid.
Solar Power is a Smart Investment
Owning solar gives you immediate and lasting financial benefits, greater energy security, and independence, breaking free from ever-rising payments to your local utility monopoly.
Protect Yourself from Rising Energy Costs
Solar locks in energy savings and shields you from skyrocketing utility rates. If the trend continues as it has for 25+ years energy prices will only continue to increase.
Take Control with Energy Ownership
Stop renting your power—solar gives you equity, predictability, and independence.
Boost Your Home's Value and Marketability
Solar systems make homes sell faster and for more, while building long-term equity. Check out this article for more on how solar panels increase home values.
Secure Your Energy Future Amid an Aging Grid
Solar ensures reliability and protection from potential grid failures or price increases.
Invest in Clean Energy Before Costs Rise Even More
Take advantage of current 2025 policies and incentives before potential tariffs or legislative changes increase costs.
What Is Net Metering?
Net metering allows homeowners to earn credits on their utility bills when their solar panels produce more electricity than they use, causing the utility meter to run backward during the day. These credits can offset electricity costs at night or when solar production is low.
Electric Meter
Minnesota Utility Bill
Billing Period
1. Consultation
When creating a personalized solar proposal, we first evaluate your energy needs and investment preferences.
2. Financing & Incentives
When creating a personalized solar proposal, we first evaluate your energy needs and investment preferences.
3. Site Visit
A quick site visit is important so that our team can combat any potential risks on installation day.
4. INTERCONNECTION
When it comes to connecting your solar system to the electrical grid, there’s a crucial step
5. Planning & Permitting
As we plan out the building of your project, obtaining permits is a critical step.
6. Construction
7. Inspection
8. Permission to Operate
A Peek at Our Process
what to expect – start to finish
We’re your trusty sidekick on this solar adventure! With our seasoned expertise, we’ll masterfully plan, install, connect your system to the grid, and make sure it gets the thumbs-up for operation. Along the way, consider us your solar superhero squad, ready to swoop in with answers and guidance!
Every Installation includes
Warranty Protection
We’ve teamed up with Solar Insure to elevate our warranty offerings, ensuring you receive unparalleled value and security in the industry. With every system installed by Centauri, you can rest assured your solar array is comprehensively protected.
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Transferable Limited Warranty
The coverage can be passed on to the next homeowner.
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Bankruptcy Protection
Remain covered even if the installer goes out of business.
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30 Year Total Coverage
We offer a 30-year Solar Insure warranty covering parts, labor, monitoring and roof penetrations.
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Transferable Limited Warranty
The coverage can be passed on to the next homeowner.
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Bankruptcy Protection
Remain covered even if the installer goes out of business.
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30 Year Total Coverage
We offer a 30-year Solar Insure warranty covering parts, labor, monitoring and roof penetrations.
Centauri Systems
Other Installers
Modules
- 30 Year Parts
- 30 Year Labor
- 12-25 Year Parts
Inverters
- 30 Year Parts
- 30 Year Labor
- 12-25 Year Parts
Labor
- 30 Year Labor Coverage
- 5-10 Year Workmanship
Roof Penetration
- 30 Year*
- Most Don't Offer
Installer/ Manufacturer Bankruptcy
- 30 Year
- Most Don't Offer
Monitoring
- 30 Year
- Most Don't Offer
We offer a 30-year limited Solar Insure warranty on every Centauri solar install.
*within 3in of penetration
Our Team Has Your Back
James Raymond
Dylan Hering
Brett Carlson
Trevor Ruwitch
Dave Bollig
Zachary Schilling
Phil Mantia
Madison Diller
Leah Johnson
Jason Hamblin
Tiffany Hering
Who you work with is important
Choosing the Right Company
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Local Expertise
Deep knowledge of Minnesota’s unique climate, solar incentives and utility companies
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Education First
We take time to explain how solar works and answer all your questions
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No Pressure Approach
Take your time to decide—we’re here to guide, not push
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Rapid Response
Quick answers to your questions—before and after installation
-
Local Expertise
Deep knowledge of Minnesota’s unique climate, solar incentives and utility companies
-
Education First
We take time to explain how solar works and answer all your questions
-
No Pressure Approach
Take your time to decide—we’re here to guide, not push
-
Rapid Response
Quick answers to your questions—before and after installation
We’re proud to be your local solar energy experts right here in the Twin Cities. At Centauri Systems, we believe in doing things differently. No high-pressure sales tactics, no rushed decisions—just honest, educational conversations that help you make the best choice for your home and future.
Highly Rated in the Twin Cities“Education over sales. Quick responses before installation, and exceptional support after. That’s the Centauri difference.”
SEE WHAT ALL THE TALK IS ABOUT
From Your Neighbors
Our Favorites
take a look at these projects
- All
- Ground Mount
- Roof Mount
Introducing Our
Solar Financing Partners
OneEthos
OneEthos offers straightforward solar financing with competitive interest rates. This option is perfect for homeowners who want to own their system while keeping monthly payments manageable.
Unlimited Reamoratizations | 30 Years
Affinity
Make going solar easy and affordable. Explore Affinity Financing, choose from personal secured and home-equity solar loans with fast pre-qualification. Choose from a range of terms.
Personal Loan | Home Equity Loan
MNCEE
Through the Minnesota Housing and Finance Agency (MHFA) and the Minnesota Department of Commerce, CEE offers home energy loans for MN homeowners making energy improvements.
Low Interest Rates | Community-Based
Every Solar Project Feeds A Child For A Year
At Centauri Systems, we believe in creating a brighter future, not just through solar energy but by making a real impact in the lives of children worldwide. That’s why we’ve partnered with Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) to provide one full year of meals for a child in need with every solar installation.
You go solar ➡️ We donate directly to FMSC
Every Solar Project Feeds A Child For A Year
At Centauri Systems, we believe in creating a brighter future, not just through solar energy but by making a real impact in the lives of children worldwide. That’s why we’ve partnered with Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) to provide one full year of meals for a child in need with every solar installation.
You go solar ➡️ We donate directly to FMSC
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