Let's not forget the large swaths of land that will have to be appropriated, and in heavily forested areas clear cut, to build transmission lines that connect solar and wind farms to distribution lines.
Concerns about impacts to nature are partly responsible for erosion of public support for solar, with many communities now seeking to slow or entirely stop new ground-mount solar systems.
In a separate post, Mass Audubon notes that "Since 2010, over 5,000 acres of natural and working lands have been destroyed for solar development in Massachusetts, resulting in the emission of over half a million metric tons of CO2 - more than the annual emissions of 100,000 passenger cars."
Not every home and structure can support solar panels, and not everyone wants an aesthetically displeasing solar array on their house.
The authors also admit that rooftop solar systems, "Which on average are smaller involve higher 'soft costs'," and while placing canopies "Over parking lots is very popular with the public," this method carries "Higher average costs than most ground-mount and rooftop projects due to the additional materials and labor needed to elevate solar panels."
Simply put, according to one Massachusetts lawmaker, "It's cheaper at the moment to buy land, clear cut it, and put up solar."
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https://issuesinsights.com/2023/11/16/they-razed-paradise-and-put-up-a-solar-farm/
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