Who here on DU have a photovoltaic solar system on their roof ...

[Lonusca]

2. Hi Hippie

We have panels on our roof. They were installed when we purchased the home a little over a year ago.

We have a PPA system - it is "always on" sending power back to the grid.

In return for that, we get 16,000 kWh per year at a fixed rate. The cancellation clause on the 20 yr PPA lease was unacceptable during negotiations for the house - way too high of a liability to take on. We reached an agreement where previous owner would prepay 50% of his remaining obligations, therefore cutting the cancellation fees and the fixed rate we pay by 50% for the length of the contract.

We are still connected to a utility (PGE) for our overage. We run a yearly balance and then true up at the end of the year. We were running under allotment all year - until Christmas season. We ended up paying PGE about $100 for the year for overage. So - it almost covered our needs.

Zero maintenance issue since we have been here. However I assume our system is much easier than one where batteries are onsite.