"Most people who can see auras, see nuclear power plants with all kinds of dark, negative energy flowing around them."
They just need to chant and wave amethyst crystals, burn some sage, and we're all good.
Solar thermal power has been used for millennia. It was used to light ships afire back in the day. However, it's still not possible to print bronze mirrors today, but we can print solar panels.
Regarding hordes of followers, this is a problem for people that want to lead and rule. I just want my neighbors to be free and prosperous. I don't want to rule them.