[palmer]

For instance, taking capturning sunlight and turning it into electricity keeps it from warming the area it would have normally.

That example is not likely to cause any problems. The thermal storage of solar energy is far more affected by land use and natural factors. For example a parking lot would have a lot greater effect on the weather than an equivalent sized solar PV farm. Solar thermal might be a little different since it concentrates the heat, boils water and creates water vapor.

[Sola Veritas]

“For example a parking lot would have a lot greater effect on the weather than an equivalent sized solar PV farm.”

Good point and agreed. A “dark” parking lot would have a greater impact. I do think you understand my main point though. Anything we do to redirect energy or to generate it will affect the environment. As I said, there is no free lunch.

[UCANSEE2]

For example a parking lot would have a lot greater effect on the weather than an equivalent sized solar PV farm. Solar thermal might be a little different since it concentrates the heat, boils water and creates water vapor.

Why not incorporate solar panels into the parking lot?

Make an asphalt that generates electricity from light, and pressure, and pave the heck out of the highways.

Put these along the highway, at the sides of overpasses, etc, and generate power from the passing vehicles.

They don't kill birds, they don't make a 'thump, thump, thump' noise, and they can be painted cool colors.