They get full value for their home-grown energy, while displacing polluting electricity. We called SCE and promptly received an application by fax. SCE recommends, but does not require, a lockable AC disconnect between the PV system and the grid. SCE says their kilowatt-hour meter in the customer's service panel is their disconnect. It will be years before utilities and the PV industry agree on national interconnect standards so consult with your local contractor.
Utilities require homeowners to insure their grid connected systems.
We told our insurance agent that our PV system was an electrical improvement approved by the building inspector, the utility and the California Energy Commission. Our insurance rate remained unchanged. Three few weeks later, we received permission by mail to connect to the grid. SCE did not visit our installation but reserved the right to inspect it later. Too Our PV system performs flawlessly.