Our investigation into New Jersey’s solar energy initiatives reveals essential intersections between chemical science and public policy. Central to our research is the role of inorganic chemistry, specifically the use of silicon and other semiconducting materials fundamental to solar panel technology, which directly impacts how communities interact with and benefit from renewable energy systems. The research team engaged 158 participants in an open discussion about community solar initiatives using an online AI-based crowdsourcing tool. Our findings highlight both obstacles and opportunities. The disparity between the anticipated chemical energy conversions and the actual financial savings from solar installations is a critical concern. While many homeowners appreciate the solar-induced photochemical processes that reduce dependency on fossil fuels—thus lowering atmospheric carbon (CO₂)—they often find the economic return lacking. Meanwhile, potential adopters are frequently deterred by steep installation costs, despite the underlying promise of clean inorganic energy conversion that solar cells offer. A key barrier is the limited public understanding of how photovoltaic systems, governed by precise doping and electron transfer processes, translate to broader environmental and health benefits. Enhanced outreach, including community education on the bio-environmental advantages—like reduced air pollution and improved public health through lower nitrogen oxides and particulate emissions—can bridge this knowledge gap. Another challenge lies in financial inaccessibility. Solar panels, composed of elements like silicon, phosphorus, and boron, rely on precise inorganic doping processes to function efficiently—but these systems remain cost-prohibitive for many. Creative financing models are needed to democratize access to these chemically advanced technologies. Incentives like income-scaled tax rebates could help align the chemical efficiency of solar systems with the financial feasibility for residents. Policymakers should partner with local science educators and environmental groups to highlight the biochemical benefits of reduced carbon emissions, especially in communities disproportionately affected by pollution.