Quote Originally Posted by semenzato View Post
I switched to time-of-use because that was required by our power utility (PG&E) in order to sell them energy. We just installed 30 Sharp 170W PV panels (which by the way appear to produce a peak of 4300W, according to the inverter).

I like the cost of electric energy in NJ! But at that price I don't think I would have installed the panels.
That is interesting, as I think I am the only one in NJ that has time-of-use with solar panels - they actually had a hard time getting my bill right for the first six months because of it. My system is comprised of 54 Sharp 185W panels and we get a similar yield to yours, the max I have seen on the inverters is about 8600W.

You probably would have done it in NJ even with our "low" electric rates. That is because the state has a very aggresive program to promote solar. At the time I installed mine they were offering rebates of up to 70% or $5.50 per watt installed. Add to the the solar renewable energy credits which you can sell each year. Those credits currently sell on the open market for $225-$250, and are set to double in two years. It makes the project very attractive. I have had the system for about two and a half years and figure my full payback will be reached in just under 4 years. Unfortunately for late adopters, the rebates are now 50% or less.