> I've understood that utility companies are required by law to buy back
 > any excess power generated by a home producer.  Does anyone know whether
 > or not this would be at the same rate that they sell it, and if there
 > are limitations to the amount that they are required to buy?
Details of power purchases are set by the power companies and the State PUCs. 
Some states require "net metering", meaning that they deduct kwhr for kwhr 
from your bill. That is, if you generate 100 kwhr "excess" and feed it back 
to them, your bill drops by that amount. Other areas have schemes where they 
pay you a wholesale price for your power and you pay retail for power FROM 
their grid. Check with your power company for details.
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