Solar panel DC power is converted to AC through an inverter. An inverter that connects to the power grid is a grid tie inverter. Most inverters are designed to handle many solar panels. The inverters designed for a single solar panel are referred to as micro-inverters. The two micro-inverters I found have a list price below $200. That technology exists.
Everyone I talked with (solar panel manufacturers, inverter manufacturers, and electrical utility companies) indicated that the major hurdle for 3ub is regulatory, not technical. Quite a few people pointed me to their person they think has the most insight into the regulatory issues. I've got lots of phone calls to make.
One example of a regulatory hurdle is the requirement that standard home grid tie systems must have all sorts of safety hardware mounted on the outside of the home to allow firemen and utility line workers a way to positively disconnect the home power supply from the grid. In today's world, embedded computers can perform that safety function. The Netherlands has legislative embedded computer protection devices and as such, they allow home owners to plug in properly protected power sources without the externally mounted "big off switch".
