Solar = jobs: If solar and coal were absolutely equal on costs (all externalities included), solar would still be a better economic choice for society. Why? With coal (or natural gas or nuclear), much of the cost comes from the fuel, with the financial boon of selling that fuel largely going to the heads of large corporations. With solar, much more of the cost comes from the labor (used to produce the panels and install them), so more of the money spent on solar goes to a broad network of middle-class workers. By just about all standards, this results in a healthier economy and society.