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Rooftop solar is far more expensive than solar put on land. The cost of rooftop solar (particularly homeowner solar) is usually hidden by implementing a big subsidy to wealthy consumers that is paid for by less wealthy consumers - sort of a reverse robin hood scheme.

We are well past the point where anyone can argue we should subsidize rooftop solar because we need to help build a fledgling industry - yet I see solar advocates continue to advocate for this wealth transfer from the poor to the well off.



Why is rooftop solar more expensive?

Mounting structure is there, grid supply is there, no issues with weeds/grasses, generally up in the air etc.

Rooftops are unused space.


You can see the cost differences here:

https://www.lazard.com/perspective/levelized-cost-of-energy-...

Rooftops are unused space, but the land use is generally a small part of the cost. Utility scale solar has real economies of scale compared to one-off small installations on someone's roof.




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