We are in the process of finalizing our solar system which will be a 16Kw/h hopefully taking us off the grid completely. We are disconnecting the mains from the grid and if required will add another 8kw/h afterwards. I have a generator which is being converted for top up supply if required, but we have been assured we have plenty. I think I saw somewhere we are having 40 panels and need to double check. I cannot wait for this to happen now and it will be fun to see how this all works. Obviously we have more sun than you in the UK, but you can get the panels on an automated bracket that tracks the sun throughout the day.
That will be quite a set-up. We'll be keeping our grid connection. Having panels track the sun would add complication and I expect it would need to be off the roof. I wonder how much you gain from it. If we had a south facing roof we would do better.
No the panels are automated on their brackets and it is only a few degrees that they move by, but this makes a big difference.