conservation groups - Depends on what that means?
Clearly in this case some “conservation groups” don’t like solar.
If we use 2005 as our base reference for power consumption in the U.S., I contend that we can’t build solar fast enough to keep up with growth and provide more than 5% of our power needs. (no matter who pays for it, or how)
Simple conservation at my house without solar cut our consumption by 50%. If I could get paid for solar generation by putting panels on my roof the profit motive would motivate me to cut our energy consumption more.
That represents a consumer savings and you may have better data from your studies but I think your number of 5% is low.
BTW, I’m enjoying this conversation. Sorry if I started out a bit persnippidy.