Solar panels somewhat make more sense on rooftops than in deserts. That avoids the need to transmit the power. Furthermore the panels end up distributed over a larger area which tends to smooth out variations caused by passing clouds.

Where solar (as well as wind and geothermal) are being installed in the desert ecologists are involved to insure that the places chosen are the most appropriate, and not highly important lands that need to be conserved.

If true, what’s stopping the US from laying down panels in some of our deserts? Are ecologists trumping that idea or what?

Anybody can talk about this that knows?