AFAIK, right now, MN and WI are the only two States that require the utility to cut a check for excess energy production from residential customers. In MN, the difference must be greater than $20.00/mo. or a credit is issued. The price paid for that energy is set at a tare rate just slightly below residential rate. My local utility, Xcel Energy, requires a 30 yr. contract, a separate meter is installed, physical installation has some standards, and all Energy Credits are ceded to the utility. They also incentivise solar to the tune of $1.75/w, currently. If you buy panels from an in-state mfg., the rate of incentive is higher. For alternative energy questions about pricing, incentives, and such:
DsireThe Sunnyboy inverter would put 1500w back into your house but that won't run mine. it would be handy to have for powering refrigerators, freezers, or other specific essentials. I would be better off with a battery back-up and larger inverters or, as I do it now in the case of a long outage, with a generator. At some point, I'll have panels on the property.
