The Benefits and Challenges in Solar Adoption
Figure 1: Blue Lake Rancheria’s microgrid diagram [2] The Benefits and Challenges in Solar Adoption Joshua Porter Portland State University December 5, 2025 Abstract : This article covers the benefits, drawbacks and solutions to the widespread adoption of solar panels as a key solution to climate change resiliency and as an alternative green energy source. An abundant amount of solar energy falls on the Earth each day that could allow for a decentralized set of microgrids that create stronger economies worldwide and provide a source of cleaner energy. With this abundant source of daily energy, there are times where it doesn’t shine as strongly despite high demand, there is still a high cost for utility scale panels, there is limited land and misplaced intentions in government permitting for solar panel siting, and there is the ever growing problem of E-waste as panels lose efficiency. Solutions to these real problems include hybrid ...