This seems, though, if anything (and, of course maybe it is nothing), to be an argument for not putting all of the panels in one desert. Which is fine. Actually it would be nice to put renewables everywhere so regions can be energy-independent.
All you need then is a grid so you can off load excess power (you're going to have a lot of excess power, if you cover even one in ten roofs in a city) to some kind of storage method and draw back from that when the sun isn't shining.
I would think the environmental difference between a ceramic tile or metal roof and a solar panel roof is pretty minimal.
Energy sovereignty is an underplayed reason for getting off oil & gas as quickly as possible. Why make your economy dependent on the whims of authoritarian states? Bad for national security.
It's a big reason why China is pursuing renewables. They are dependent on oil imports which can be easily blockaded if they ever decide to invade Taiwan.