> High density housing is unlikely to be compatible with that.

To the level of total energy independence? Indeed. But even an apartment can get some PV.

There's even PV specifically designed for renters in apartments.

> Also rental dwelling owners and people with limited economic resources tend to be less likely to make those kinds of capital investment.

Not so: https://www.lidl.de/p/tronic-balkonkraftwerk-860-wp-800-w-to...

As per my first line, 800 W is not going to be total energy independence.

But it's €249, cheaper than all but the cheapest phones.

In the best case, it can pay for itself in the first year; though obviously a north-facing apartment gets almost nothing from it.

They are not forced to make those kinds of capital investments if they're unable - they'd be no worse off than today. Those who do get cheaper electricity (in lieu of whatever they could've otherwise spent that capital on).

However, it's the onus of the gov't (regional or federal) to create the investment needed for large, industrial scale solar and battery storage. That's what taxpayer money should be spent on.

yah, this is more for low density/mid density housing, I am sure the roots of 2-3 floor apts should be more than enough to sustain it as energy needs of apartments are lower to begin with. They can also bleed them into parking lots and have cover from the sun.