Net-metering allows customers to sell locally generated electric power to the utility at retail price. This makes photovoltaic solar collectors cost-competitive in sunny regions where there is no shading from nearby trees or structures.
Since times of maximum sunshine roughly correspond to times of maximum electrical demand and power costs more at those times, PV solar power is worth more than average electrical power. For how progressive utilities like San Diego Gas and Electric benefit, see EnergyBiz article. Power transistors that convert DC to AC can also provide power conditioning services to regional utilities.
The hot exhaust and other heat from the engine driving an electric generator can be used for thermal processes and to heat buildings. This is called combined heat and power (CHP) or cogeneration. Heat generated by this means in industrial East Lawrence could be distributed in insulated underground pipes to adjacent residences and the central downtown area in what is called district heating.
Some of the natural gas for CHP plants might be excess methane from anaerobic digestion at the city's sewage treatment plant on the east side of East Lawrence. Electricity generated by CHP at all times of year would help power East Lawrence industry and residences. Also, downtown restaurants might generate some of their electricity with CHP.
In summer, electricity generated by PV can chill water in storage tanks for later cooling. This shifts the noon peak in PV generation to the later peak in consumption. The storage rate can be varied to offset variations in PV output created by passing clouds. In winter, heat from CHP making electricity can heat water in (the same) storage tanks. This transfers excess heat generated in the day when electricity is most needed to night when heat is most needed.
Large low-cost centrally located molten-salt sodium-sulfur batteries or room-temperature quinone-based flow batteries or smaller sodium-ion batteries in local shops and restaurants can smooth variations in load and PV generation and provide emergency power. Lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles can be wirelessly recharged through inductive coils in parking lots or at bus stops.