[A mouse]

I thought that solar energy was supposed to be free... Am I reading incorrectly or is there really still an energy bill every month? And if so, why?? It makes no sense that they should get money for some energy they didn't make, I mean the panels themselves are expensive enough.

[Stratmando]

If you have enough Panel$, You can make your Meter go backwards, and Make Money or save money.
It takes a Bit of money for enough Panels and Inverter to Power most houses.
I live in a Hurricane Prone area where I don't think Solar Panels would survive, after the storm.

[ScottGem]

First, I'd like to satisfy my curiousity. What does your question have to do with Private Investigations? That is where you originally posted this. I've moved it to a more appropriate forum.

Solar energy IS free, but collecting and processing it costs money.

What generally happens is the solar panels may not generate enough electricity for your usage. Maybe you get several cloudy days in a row. So, there may be times that the panels don't supply enough. Therefore you need to have something to back you up if the panels don't supply enough. So you still get hooked to the grid.

However, there may also be times when you produce more electricity than you need. In those times, you are actually selling energy to the power company. This goes as a credit on your account. So its possible for the power company to pay you.

You could unhook yourself completely from the grid but then you will need some backup (generator?) for when you aren't producing enough. Also, to get some of the rebates and tax credits you will probably be required to remain hooked to the grid.

[21boat]

I live in a Hurricane Prone area where I don't think Solar Panels would survive, after the storm.

I have a house in a hurricane area and my solar hot water heater went through quite a few hurricanes.

Funny I was thinking why doesn't Florida add a Building codes That all new const. must have a percentage of solar power be it electric / or water heater.

If this would happen just think how much cheaper solar panels would be..