Hmmm: Germany's Solarfest

I was surprised to learn a little while ago that in California (I assume it's the same in other states as well) a person (or company) who has solar installed can not sell excess electricity generated from their solar panels back to the electric utility but must give it to the utility for free. As a result, this discourages anyone from installing more solar panels than they absolutely need.

This makes no sense to me other than from a standpoint of protecting the power utilities. If we want to become "energy independent" solar is one viable way to get there but only if the proper incentives are in place.

Germany on the other hand promotes solar installation and allows individuals to generate income via solar power. This video by NOVA explores Germany's quest for energy independence.