Hi RD,
There is one exception to it not being cost effective to do your own small grid tie system.
You can use micro-inverters -- these are legal, UL approved, small inverters that are made to handle only one PV panel for each micro-inverter. So, you can have a system as small as one panel. The micro-inverter takes the DC power from one PV panel and converts it to 220 VAC that can be tied directly to the grid and the inverter does anti-islanding, so it shuts down if there is a power outage.
One nice thing about the micro-inverter systems is that you can start small and then add more panels later. Also simple wiring for DIYers.
You do have to go through the permit process, and the untility company will not allow you to hook your system up to the grid without a signed off permit. Usually they put in a new meter when you hook up that will run backwards and credit you for any excess power you produce. In some places this can be a hassle with some fees, but in MT its a $35 permit, and the inspector and the utility guy who approved my setup were very cooperative and had some helpful hints.
For power failures, on my setup, I have a way to disconnect the system from the from the grid and basically change a few wires around to convert it to an off grid system to supply power to the house via an extension cord (no connection to the grid) to run a few loads. I use the battery pack from our golf cart and a separate off-grid inverter -- but, I can do the whole change over in 20 minutes (by which time, the utility power is usually back
This is the system I did:
http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/PV/EnphasePV/Main.htm
Its a 2200 watt system with 10 panels, but it could just as easily be one or two panels (or 30 panels).
There are also bootleg grid tie PV setups that are based on inexpensive anti-islanding inverters you can get on ebay. They are not UL approved so, the power company would not approve such a system, but they do let you get started or experiment with a grid tie systems on practically no budget.
http://www.builditsolarblog.com/2012/03/under-radar-plug-and-play-grid-tie-pv.html
Sorry about getting off topic Tighe, but I'm a solar junkie
Gary