Knowledge is power
Solar Basics
Understanding how solar energy works, and how it can benefit your home or business, is key to making an informed decision. Our goal is to help you feel confident every step of the way on your journey to going solar.
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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 ths 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.
Solar Power to Protect Our Planet
By switching to solar energy, homeowners can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, combat climate change, and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.
Cleaner Air and Water for Healthier Communities
Solar energy reduces harmful pollutants, protecting the air we breathe and the water we drink.
Combat Climate Change with Renewable Energy
Lower greenhouse gas emissions by switching to a sustainable energy source like solar.
Preserve Finite Resources for a Greener Future
Solar’s reliance on the sun reduces the strain on nonrenewable resources like coal and gas.
Build a Sustainable Legacy for Future Generations
Choosing solar ensures a healthier, cleaner planet for those who come after us.
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
4 Most Important Factors
when choosing a solar installer
Product Quality & Technology
Not all solar panels are created equal. Understanding the products being offered is crucial for long-term satisfaction and performance.
- Panel Efficiency: Higher efficiency panels produce more power in less space
- Panel Grade: Tier 1 manufacturers offer better reliability and warranties
- Inverter Quality: String, micro, or power optimizer systems each have advantages
- Mounting System: Quality racking ensures proper ventilation and durability
- Component Matching: Properly sized systems maximize efficiency and savings
Factor #1:
Product
What does your solar system really cost?
Select your equipment below. Every number updates instantly so you can see exactly what you're getting for what you're spending.
All figures are based on a hypothetical 10 kW system using Minnesota average conditions. Your actual costs and production will vary based on roof, shading, utility rates, and available incentives. Nothing here constitutes a proposal or guarantee. Contact us for a free site assessment and accurate quote.
Minnesota Solar Panels
See how they compare
This graph shows the different solar panels we recommend by comparing their prices and quality. Quickly see which panels give you the best value, those that are both affordable and reliable.
REC Pure RX
- Lead free
- Handles extreme heat or cold
SEG Yukon N Series
- 30 year performance warranty
- Made in America
Silfab QD
- 30 year performance warranty
- Made in USA
QCell Qtron
- Mid-Level Quality
- Reputable Brand
Mission 410
- Best Value
- Made in USA
Longi Hi-Mo
- Low cost option
- American Made
Jinko Neo Tiger
- Low cost option
- Made in USA
Built to last
Why Racking Matters
A good racking system should:
- Secure your panels for 30+ years
- Be built to withstand wind, snow, and storms
- Have fewer attachments = fewer roof penetrations
- Support long-term warranties and protection
- Prevent costly repairs down the road
We only install the best
Your solar panels need a strong, weather-tested foundation and that’s exactly what SunModo provides. As a leading U.S. manufacturer of innovative solar racking systems, SunModo designs hardware that’s built for long-term strength, speed, and simplicity.
Fast, Clean Installs
Looks Great, Fast Installation
Fewer parts and preassembled components mean shorter install times and cleaner aesthetics.
25 Year Warranty
Peace of Mind
Enjoy peace of mind with SunModo’s 25-year limited warranty on the NanoMount Black
Built for the Midwest
Reliable Hardware
Integrated mount and flashing combines the mounting base and flashing into a single unit, simplifying installation and minimizing potential leak points for long-term reliability.
North American Product
Close to Home
SunModo is a U.S.-based solar racking manufacturer headquartered in Vancouver, Washington.
Your solar panels are only as strong as the system holding them to your roof.
Our Recommended
Optional Batteries
Installing a home solar battery is the key to unlocking true energy independence and peace of mind. Without a battery, grid-tied solar panels shut off during an outage, leaving you in the dark. But with a battery, your home can keep running on stored energy when the grid goes down.
Whole Home Batteries
(for use with central or micro inverters)
5 kWh Storage Capacity
Enphase 5p Battery
Known for its cost-effectiveness, modular 5 kWh capacity and a long 15-year warranty, the IQ Battery 5P provides flexible, scalable storage options to fit varying household energy needs.
15 kWh Storage Capacity
Franklin aPower 2
The FranklinWH aPower 2 offers 15 kWh of reliable backup power with smart energy management and a 15-year warranty, ensuring energy independence and peace of mind. Its durable design and scalability make it a long-term solution for homeowners.
Hybrid Batteries
(All-in-one: central inverter and battery)
6 – 54 kWh Storage Capacity Options
Sigenergy
Sigenergy offers a compact, all-in-one home battery system that combines solar inverter, battery storage, and energy management into a single unit. It scales from 6 to 54 kWh, uses long-lasting LFP cells, and switches to backup power instantly when the grid goes down.
15 kWh Storage Capacity
Franklin aPower S
The aPower S is built for maximum solar flexibility, working seamlessly with panels from all major brands, orientations, and tilt angles. With high solar input capacity and an all-in-one design, it simplifies installation, supports future system upgrades, and ensures your system can scale as your energy needs grow.
| Backup Type | Cost | Capacity | What Works During Power Outage |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Whole-Home Backup
|
$$$ | 15–30+ kWh | 🏠 All systems on: HVAC, lights, stove, laundry, AC, heat pump, appliances, outlets — your home runs like normal. |
|
Partial-Home Backup
|
$$ | 10–15 kWh | 💡 Key areas only: lights, fridge, heat, security — you choose what's powered. |
|
Specific Loads Only
|
$ | 5–10 kWh | 🔌 Essentials only: fridge, WiFi, medical gear — just the must-haves. |
Factor #2:
Price
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
Factor #3:
Warranty
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.
-
Transferable Limited Warranty
The coverage can be passed on to the next homeowner.
-
Bankruptcy Protection
Remain covered even if the installer goes out of business.
-
30 Year Total Coverage
We offer a 30-year Solar Insure warranty covering parts, labor, monitoring and roof penetrations.
-
Transferable Limited Warranty
The coverage can be passed on to the next homeowner.
-
Bankruptcy Protection
Remain covered even if the installer goes out of business.
-
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
Factor #4:
Company
Who you work with is important
Choosing the Right Company
-
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
-
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.”
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
Free Solar Quote Comparison Spreadsheet
Take control of your solar investment with our comprehensive comparison tool. Evaluate multiple solar quotes side-by-side, understand pricing breakdowns, and make an informed decision that maximizes your savings.
- Compare Equipment
- Pricing Analysis
- ROI Calculator
- Warranty Comparison
SEE WHAT ALL THE TALK IS ABOUT
From Your Neighbors
