Land? Have you seen the roof area of a typical Wallyworld? The land is already spoken for, but the roof is, well, open and available. It could also have the added benefit, depending on how it's installed, of shading the roof from direct sunlight, possibly helping to reduce cooling requirements during summer months and in areas of the south year round.
I mean, yea, solar has it's issues, but it's Wallyworld's money, and if they feel they can justify it, and it will provide them some benefit, let them have at it. And if it helps lower solar costs for anyone else in the process; what's to complain about?
When I say that solar is a niche producer, I think this is the niche I'm talking about. So I don't think we're in disagreement here.
What I don't agree with are the big solar farms. There are two near me, one is 9000 acres to produce 500 megawatts, the other is 4500 for 250 megawatts. 13000 acres to produce what a natgas plant could produce on 40. Wind power is similarly wasteful of land.
But rooftop panels to supplement, to handle day-time peaks such as your HVAC load, that has promise as the costs come down.
They can't replace the big power plants, but they can take the edge off the daytime peaks.