for LarryL, (this is my understanding)

The electrical energy produced by the solar array is shared to the local grid (most of it in the immediate vacinity).
In the event of a power outage during the day, you and your neighbors will most likely experience a brown out. Electrical energy, like water, will flow towards least resistance - when your neighbors turn on their appliances (electrical faucets) there's no mechanism to stop the flow.

Congratulations!
You will reduce your electrical bill simply by having solar panels. During the day every kW generated by the array passes through the meter (on its way to the grid) and is CREDITED to you. The power you consume minus the power you generate equals your net energy consumption. Because all of the kWatts you generate credits to YOUR meter, it really does mean that you are the only "user" of those kWatts since you are having the equivalent usage wiped off YOUR bill.
If you generate more power during the day than you consume, you can actually watch your meter count backwards (which means you're essentially "selling" solar power). Your actual energy "sales" are averaged over the year. If your ANNUAL net consumption is LESS than your annual production, you will receive a check from the power company.
Before you get too excited at this prospect, it's worth noting that an annual net energy "sale" is calculated using wholesale rates. So if you do earn a payment for your energy generation at the end of one year it will be calculated at a rate lower than your "retail" residential rate.
The good news is that I've seen annual power bills for as little as $10 if you're a super conserver even with only a modest 1.5 or 2 kW system.

Please note: this info is specific to Oregon's net metering laws and utility companies. Check with your state's power regulatory board for more info.