Knowledge is power
Solar Basics
One of our pros will answer your questions
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.
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.
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.
$100
Energy Usage
Minus
$80
Energy Produced
Equals
$20
Amount Owed
$100
Energy Usage
Minus
$80
Energy Produced
Equals
$20
Amount Owed
4 Most Important Factors
when choosing a solar installer
Are the panels Tier 1? Are they a premium module?
Ensure that the models that are being recommended to you are at least Tier 1, even better if they are a premium module from a reputable manufacturer.
What is the expected lifespan and warranty for the solar panels and inverters?
Warranties provide insight into the reliability of the equipment. Look for a 25-year warranty on panels and at least a 10-12 year warranty for inverters to ensure long-term value.
What is the efficiency rating of the solar panels?
Higher efficiency panels generate more electricity with less space. Knowing the efficiency rating will help you determine whether you're getting the best balance of cost and energy output for your system.
Questions to ask to make sure you're getting the best price for your solar system:
What is the cost per watt ($/W) for the system?
This is one of the most important metrics to compare quotes. The cost per watt helps you gauge the overall value, as it accounts for both the system size and total price.
Are there any additional or hidden costs, such as installation fees, permits, or ongoing maintenance?
This question ensures transparency and helps you avoid surprises. Make sure the quote includes all costs so you have a clear understanding of the total investment.
How do the costs compare between different panel brands or inverter options?
Understanding the price differences between equipment options allows you to weigh the benefits of more expensive, high-efficiency panels versus budget options.
Are there any available incentives, rebates, or financing options that could reduce the upfront cost?
Asking about incentives, such as tax credits or rebates, and financing options can significantly impact your overall investment and help lower the cost of your system.
The warranty on your system is a key factor that shouldn't be over looked:
What is the duration of the warranty; what is covered by the warranty?
Ensure that the warranty lasts for at least 30 years, which is becoming the industry standard for high-quality systems. Panels should be covered for performance and product defects, while inverters should have a warranty of at least 10-12 years, with options to extend.
What is the guaranteed performance degradation rate over the warranty period?
Ask how much the panels' production is expected to decline over time. A good warranty should guarantee that panels will still produce 85% of their original output after 25-30 years.
Does the warranty include labor and shipping costs for repairs or replacements?
Some warranties cover parts but not labor, which could leave you with significant out-of-pocket costs. Make sure the warranty covers both to avoid unexpected expenses.
Is the warranty transferable if I sell my home, and are there any conditions or fees involved?
A transferable warranty can add value to your property if you plan to sell. Be sure to ask if there are any restrictions or fees involved in transferring the warranty to a new owner.
The company you choose to hire is one of the most important decisions:
Are your installers licensed, certified, and insured?
Ensure the company has certified installers (such as NABCEP certification) and is fully insured. This provides confidence that the installers are skilled and that you’re protected in case of any accidents or issues during installation.
What do Google, BBB and other review sites say about the company - what do they not do well?
View the company's reviews on online sites like BBB, Google, EnergySage, Solar Reviews and more. Keep an eye out for common issues that customers have had with the company. 2-4 star reviews can tell you a lot about where a company falls short.
Does your company use in-house installers, or do you subcontract the installation work?
If subcontractors are used, ask about their qualifications and whether they meet the same standards as the company’s own employees. It’s important to ensure consistency in quality and accountability.
Check out these
Inverter Options
An inverter in a solar panel system is a translator box that takes the DC electricity from your solar panels and turns it into usable AC electricity for your home so you can power your lights, appliances, and gadgets. It basically converts the sun’s energy into something your home can understand and use.
Things to Consider
when building your solar system
Want to be Self Sufficient?
Energy Storage
Batteries are a common addition to a solar array to store energy to be used when your system is not producing power.
Recent EV Purchase
EV Charger
We can install an EV charger for your new electric vehicle.
Electrical Panel Full
Panel Upgrade
Sometimes older homes will not have space in the panel and an upgraded panel can be a great option.
Interested in your energy usage?
Consumption Monitoring
Use your monitoring app to see your energy production and usage in real time.
You can pay your way
Payment Choices
MNCEE
Through the Minnesota Housing and Finance Agency (MHFA) and the Minnesota Department of Commerce, CEE offers home energy loans for Minnesota homeowners to make energy improvements in their homes.
Pay in Cash
If you do not need financing services, paying for your solar investment in cash is always an option.
HELOC | Personal Loan | Mortgage
Concert Loan
Interest rates are based on credit score:
| Good | 600-699 | 10.99% |
| Better | 700-799 | 8.99% |
| Best | 800+ | 8.49% |
*Requires soft credit check to help us estimate you monthly payment
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
Solar Insure prolongs both manufacturer and installer warranties for protection up to 30 years.
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
Monitoring
- 30 Year
- Most Don't Offer
Installer/ Manufacture Bankruptcy
- 30 Year
- Most Don't Offer
30 year limited warranties provided via Solar Insure and are included in every Centauri System install. This additional warranty comes at no extra cost to you as the consumer.
*within 3in of penetration
What happens if there is an installer or manufacturer bankruptcy?
Warranties can become useless if there’s no one to back them. If the installer or manufacturer of your solar system goes bankrupt, their warranties might no longer be valid. This is where third-party protection, like Solar Insure, becomes essential. Solar Insure provides comprehensive coverage for up to 30 years, even if the original installer or manufacturer is no longer in business. This ensures that your investment remains protected, regardless of the financial status of the companies involved in your installation. Without this kind of backing, a warranty from a bankrupt company could leave you unprotected.
What are the most important things to consider in a solar warranty?
When evaluating a solar warranty, consider the following key aspects:
-
Extent of Coverage: Ensure that the warranty covers critical components like panels, inverters, and racking. A good warranty should protect against manufacturing defects, premature wear, and performance issues over time.
-
Manufacturer vs. Third-Party Coverage: Some warranties are provided directly by the manufacturer, while others, like those from Solar Insure, offer extended third-party coverage. Third-party coverage can add security, especially if the manufacturer or installer goes out of business.
-
Labor Coverage: Not all warranties include labor costs for repairs or replacements. Make sure to check if labor is covered, or you may face additional costs for technician visits and repair work.
Who covers the cost of replacement parts and shipping?
Replacement parts and shipping can be covered under some warranties, but it depends on the specifics. Manufacturer warranties often cover parts but may not include shipping costs, leaving you responsible for logistics.
What is the workmanship warranty?
The workmanship warranty is different from a labor warranty. It covers the quality of the installation work itself, ensuring that your solar system has been properly installed according to industry standards. This type of warranty protects you against issues like faulty wiring, improper racking, or incorrect panel placement.
At Centauri Systems, we offer a 25-year workmanship warranty, which means we guarantee the quality and reliability of our installation for the long term.
What is not typically covered under a solar warranty?
While solar warranties cover many critical components, there are a few exclusions. Common items not covered include general wear and tear, damage from extreme weather events (unless specifically covered under an insurance policy), or issues caused by improper maintenance or unauthorized modifications. Always review your specific warranty documents for a detailed list of exclusions.
Choosing the Right Company
Who you work with is important
Questions to ask your
Solar Installer
- Are they local?
- Will subcontractors install your system?
- How is your reputation?
- What recognition and accreditations do you have?
Rapid Response Guarantee
At Centauri Systems, we stand apart with our unbeatable guarantee: a response to every message within 24 hours. This commitment reflects our dedication to exceptional service and our belief that you deserve timely, reliable support. Choose Centauri Systems, where you're never left in the dark.
