I just got solar panels installed (in Berkeley, CA). I can confirm that this setup (you feed into the grid, and then get supply back from the grid) was the primary option suggested (it was possible to request and receive a self-contained "behind-the-meter" system, but was considered unusual)
You've actually done this recently, so probably you are right, but I'm still doubtful. Are there two separate unidirectional meters involved? And the solar panels aren't hooked into your electrical panel or in house electrical system in any way? What you are describing isn't impossible, but it's an odd default, and would seem to be a terrible deal for homeowners now that net metering is being phased out. While it's usually true (especially in California) that you can't keep your house powered while the grid is down, I don't think I've ever heard of a case where all locally generated power was sent 100% to the grid. I've only heard of this being done in cases where the same owner has generation happening at a different place on a separate electric account. Can you confirm?
Ah, I see what you mean now. Sure, I can't absolutely confirm that, from a physical point of view, all locally-generated power is sent out and comingled with grid power. Rather, from an _administrative_ perspective, it's the case that I don't have any "exclusive claim" on the power that I generate, and my house's power is not independent of grid outages. It's quite possible - likely, I agree! - that the power that I generate is locally consumed; but, from an administrative and practical perspective (esp. lack of independence from the grid), the system "behaves as if" that is not the case.
So - yes, you're probably right!
> would seem to be a terrible deal for homeowners now that net metering is being phased out
Whether you're right or not from a physical perspective, this is absolutely the case from a numerical perspective - which is why I'm extremely glad that I got mine installed in the grace period during which NEM 2.0 pricing is still in effect despite NEM 3.0 being approved (and becoming active in April).
