The sun is not enough: The slow solar transition in Arizona and Algeria

As environmental worries rise with the growing demand for electricity, we are searching for a way to address both problems simultaneously. Although solar energy development can satisfy both challenges at the same time, its vast potential remains largely untapped. Why is that? We address this question by examining solar development in two places that should be pace-setters of a solar transition in their respective parts of the world: Arizona and Algeria. Despite virtually identical solar assets, both places have been equally slow to transition more enthusiastically to a solar energy future. Even with their obvious differences in scale and history, they have several characteristics in common, such as high growth rates, similar population clustering patterns, extensive open spaces, and comparable percentages of off-grid Indigenous residents. We divide our appraisal into four parts: (1) The allure and acceptance of solar energy, (2) The Arizona/Algeria comparison, (3) The present status of solar development, and (4) The current barriers to solar adoption. Our findings underscore resource abundance alone cannot drive large-scale solar energy adoption. This research highlights the wisdom of addressing broader socioeconomic, political, and infrastructural factors that lead to a meaningful transition to solar energy. The results offer critical insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to accelerate solar energy deployment and create a more sustainable energy future.