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Thanks for the good info and links. I’ve been toying with the idea of solar power for the greenhouse and barn for quite some time. My idea is definitely small scale for the hydroponics. Our electrical co-op doesn’t allow for credit for power fed into the grid, so I don’t think I would bother to hook in.

Are co-ops exempt from the law requiring that excess power generation be purchased? It is my understanding that all power companies are required to buy power.

One of my stepsons works at Lowes corporate, and he said that he thought they had solar units for sale in the stores these days. If not, it will be soon.

You really want to purchase quality cells though. A clue is the percentage of original power that they will be producing in 10, 15 and 20 years.

We are really looking at the solar system as a part of our plans for retirement. With tax incentives, we will recoup our cost on the system in 5 years. After that, we are eliminating $300 or more from our expenses each month. Who knows how much power will cost in 10 years. One thing is for sure ... it won't be any cheaper.

Found this info about Texas net metering:

Texas Net Metering Order Net metering is ordered by the Public Utility Commission of Texas under Substantive Rules, Section 23.66(f)(4), which became effective in 1986. The order requires utilities to offer a net metering option to qualifying facilities of 50 kW or less, using renewable energy resources. Utilities will install a single meter for such customers and allow the meter to turn backward to register the net energy consumption or production by the customers. Net consumption is billed at the applicable tariff, and excess generation by the customers during a billing cycle is purchased by utilities at the avoided cost (fuel cost only, no capacity component). Texas initiated the net metering program 10 years ago to promote small wind power and PV markets in the state. There is no statewide limit on the number of customers or total capacity under the net metering program.
Refer to Public Utility Commission of Texas Substantive Rules, Section 23.66(f)(4) and PUC Substantive Rule § 25.242(h)(4).
http://www.puc.state.tx.us/rules/subrules/electric/25.242/25.242.cfm
Contact: John McElroy, Jr.
Office of Public Utility Counsel
Phone: (512) 936-7518
E-Mail: mcelroy@opc.state.tx.us

Good info and links on net metering