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Poll: 92% of Americans Support Solar Energy Development

October 12, 2009
Source: Clean Edge News

The 2009 Schott Solar Barometer - a national survey conducted by independent polling firm Kelton Research - shows that a vast majority of Americans overwhelmingly support development and funding of solar energy.

The recently released survey found that 92 percent of Americans think it is important for the U.S. to develop and use solar energy. This strong support for solar remains unchanged since Americans were asked the same questions in the June 2008 Schott Solar Barometer (94%). (The difference is within the margin of error for both polls.)

This support for solar power is consistent across political party affiliation with 89 percent of Republicans, 94 percent of Democrats and 93 percent of Independents agreeing that it is important for the U.S. to develop and use solar power.

Furthermore, close to eight in 10 (77%) Americans feel that the development of solar power, and other renewable energy sources, should be a major priority of the federal government, including the financial support needed. This sentiment also remains the same since June 2008 (77%).

The poll also showed that if they had to choose one energy source to financially support if they were President, 43 percent of Americans would opt for solar over other sources such as wind (17%), natural gas (12%) and nuclear (10%).

Almost half of all Americans (49%) say they're currently pondering solar power options for their home or business – and another three percent already have solar power. Among those who would like to take advantage of solar power at home or at work, seven in 10 (70%) envision they would make the change within the next five years.

But most feel they lack information – fewer than one in five (12%) can claim that they're extremely informed about the subject of solar power in general. What's more, almost three in four (74%) Americans admit they wish they knew more about solar power options for their home or business.