If I had a "legal Grid Tie Inverter connection", with a special 'net-metering' meter installed,
I would get
Paid for energy pumped out to the grid.
Most likely, I would electronically run-the-meter-backwards, and later that night, run my tab back up..
With a 400w array, it's unlikely any actual cash will ever change hands..
A small PV GTI system would probably take decades to hit break-even.
But, if you could install a 400-500w system (for around $1,000?) ,
the cost of
running a mini-split (adding to your power bill) could be reduced to near zero.
With a legally installed system, you also get some tax breaks etc.
Buying the PV system for your mini-split, is kinda like paying for the power in advance.
(As in buy it now, while it's cheap).?.
The nice part of this scheme, comes if rates go up drastically.
Your energy cost for AC & heat will see less impact.
Whereas the part of the bill caused by watching a plasma TV would go up!
I know that compartmentalization of appliances seems odd,
and kW hours are KW hours, no matter what device is burning them..
But, many times during the year, you make a
choice when setting your AC or heat.
So, if it's a nice sunny day, 'free' power can be a factor in making your choice.
You might just think.. Hey! look how sunny it is today! I'm setting this thing down to 71.6! (22C)
