what happens if we make more than we use
By the current agreement, if we send more power to the grid than we use, then we get a check at the end of the year at the same rate that we pay.
So far, that's never happened. During the best times of year for solar (which is actually May and late July) our array produces about 50% of our power needs. Since we both work at home using power hungry computers and the like, we tend to use more power than average. My little beer fridge doesn't help matters, nor does my laziness at turning off thing I'm not using. And you'd be amazed at how many "phantom loads" there are in a modern house. But I do know some PV owners who do get a check at the end of the year.
Thanks for your interest, Scott