Using Xychronium Ice you can create a maintenance-free Thermopile stack that scales vertically. At three layers tall the stack generates greater amperage per horizontal square meter than a Solar. The initial setup is a little trickier. Also if you tessellate it requires maintenance.
TfT
IXI
TfT
T= Thermopile
f = lava(source at the top block and flow for all below)
I = Ice created by flowing water into where the Xychronium Ice sits.
X = Xychronium Ice block, must be built first
Three towers sixty tall would equal the same output as the 400 Solars, require 720 Piles, 180 Xychronium Ice, 6 Lava Buckets, and a Water Bucket for during construction.
Is this easier, probably no more than setting up 400 Solars.