[yaskyj]

Exactly. Also, the argument that solar provides the grid with power when it needs it most is incorrect. Solar production peaks at around noon while electric consumption peaks around five when people arrive home from work. Solar houses basically use the utility as a no-cost battery.

[gioele]

Commercial consumption peaks at noon, residential consumption peaks at 21, but with a much less prominent spike.

In addition, the price of energy and the economy behind new plants is based on the commercial peak ("please run your washing machine in the afternoon", used to remember you state-run companies with every bill). Nice graph at http://www.mpoweruk.com/images/elec_load_demand.gif from http://www.mpoweruk.com/electricity_demand.html (please note that that graph is from 1999's Californa; now the commercial spike is much higher due to air conditioners being active in almost all office).

Thus, solar helps when it is "needed" the most.

[mrfusion]

Another thing to help is if solar is overproducing around noon, homes could leave their AC temperatures cooler than they normally would, and the AC wouldn't have to work as hard when they get home.

I.e., using the home's temperature as a very inefficient battery but better than throwing it away.