Not true. I can just leak the surplus into the grid and get nothing for it.
Or, I can get another energy supplier and opt into a tariff based on split time of use - buying electricity would get more expensive in daylight hours but would be very cheap at offpeak times.
But, my current supplier is currently wanting to get in on the act and is very interested in setting up a new tariff where I would sell them the excess from solar and they use it to service peak demand, and I top my battery up between 2am and 4:30am at a discount.
For a country that prides itself on entrepreneurism and capitalism, America seems fantastically anti-choice, backward and restrictive when it comes to commercialising next-gen utilities.
It’s the same with telecoms. The UK is nowhere near as innovative as some other countries, but even ten years ago I had four completely different high speed internet technology options on top of the state sponsored copper infrastructure. With over 60 suppliers to choose from.
And I live way out in the sticks. I talk to American colleagues and they’re about as spoiled for choice as the UK was... in 1996.
I have a friend who has built a commercial system, himself, which is completely off grid.
It works, but mostly because he was able to scrounge panels and parts, such as inverters, from other systems.
His battery system is old-school deep cycle lead acid (again, scrounged, not retail)
He would gladly trade everything for grid access, but it is not an option.
The main problem is the extremely time-consuming maintenance, especially of the battery system.
This is in one of the most favorable places in the world for solar power... SW Arizona.
I love to see solar power become more affordable for an off-grid power source, which is where it shines.
I would love to see it competitive as an alternative to the grid for residential use.
Your analysis needs to be done as a cash-flow, net present value to make a real comparison on cost.
The non-monetary value you are getting makes plenty of sense, and is important for any decision maker.