June 2019
A 'friend' called me a 'texas asehole' ...
because my calculations show that commercially-installed rooftop solar is overpriced and inefficient ...
... which it IS.
.. by any measure
... it costs more right now than the power you generate
... unless the grid lets you sell back to them at full retail price without paying for grid upkeep.

The numbers will change as price of electricity goes up
... and other factors take root 
.. but right now, large commercial solar arrays are 2 to 6 times more efficient and cost effective ..
... than individual homeowners making the investment and installing rooftop solar
... and cost more than homeowner assuming responsibility for a rooftop asset (or liability as with 'free' solar panels) that is worth less as soon as installed,
Overall, rooftop solar
... lacks portability,
... increases insurance risk,
... requires you to cut down the trees,
... doesn't produce a lot of power vs cost (especially when factoring grid upkeep charges) ...

it does not mean there are zero applications where rooftop solar does not pay back
For example charging your eclectic car battery during the day, or using it to heat hot water (a method of storing solar energy), and run your lights ... in other words, for your personal use ... and not gaming the system by expecting discounts on grid upkeep, or withholding your power from the grid until prices make your generation profitable.
... it doesn't mean you shouldn't consider rooftop solar as 'doing your part'
 ..... but for most regular homeowners, the numbers are not there.. right now, year 2019.

I write this because of the massive avalanche of solar promotions on the internet disguised as facts
... that have people as confused as as they were about TANKLESS water heaters 10 years ago
... the market gets flooded with stuff that exaggerates worth ...

I am one tiny voice that says the truth as well as can be measured,
... if for no other reason than to combat the promotion.

I was right 10 years ago reviewing tankless and got treated the same
... for the same reason that I stood for facts vs promotion.

I believe in science, and solutions that work for the regular guy
... not the rich guy who can chance it without consideration.

Ladies and gentlemen, science n math can provoke people I suppose in these times of uncertainty, ...
... but at no time should a 'friend'
... who works as an educator of children
... call others names for their earnest hard work, and research.

I will assume he was drunk.

June 2019
want to add something to this ...
I believe every home should be designed around solar use...
with a flat, south or sun-facing facing roofline,
with solar reflectivity

... I believe DIY solar installations are productive
... home designs should cluster hot water usage points
.. and homes should design homes around any type of solar collection system chosen (glycol, hot water, PV low and high voltage AC and direct use DC),
and that solar be utilized as much as possible using standardized, recyclable materials.

..., and these concepts integrated into education ...
 through math, science and social classes (despite our increasing debilitation for bad food and inhaling more CO2 and chemicals).....
... and curriculums should include local agriculture and horticulture
... while finding ways to re-purpose everything that comes through the home ...
 from egg carton to shoe leather
... this might be the type of innovation needed to halt global warming,

 ... but in my opinion,
Real Facts and Real Leadership must demand ...
the end of quasi-science advertisers and promoters before we can move forward.

Gene Haynes