According to a new election-cycle survey on clean energy, nine in 10 (89%) U.S. adults agree that renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, should be a bigger part of America's energy supply in the future.
The poll – conducted by Ipsos poll on behalf of residential solar firm Sungevity – shows that America's commitment to solar is strong, with 80% of respondents expecting their elected officials to support solar energy initiatives.
Additionally, 81% of respondents said they believe that regardless of who is in office, the White House and other official federal and state residences should use solar energy.
Results of the Sungevity Solar Survey show that many respondents see the economic and environmental benefits associated with the wider adoption of renewable energy, with 81% agreeing that reducing our dependency on coal, oil, nuclear energy and gas is the right thing to do for the environment and the economy.
Additionally, seven in 10 (72%) say jobs created in the solar energy industry are better for our economy and our environment than jobs created in the coal, oil, nuclear and gas industries. The majority of Americans (four out of five) believe that the increased use of solar power will reduce household energy costs and will help create local jobs.
Eight in ten (80%) adults agree that the biggest benefits that would encourage support for solar energy are financial in nature, such as reduced energy costs (60%), decreased dependence on the fluctuating cost of fossil fuels (26%), federal/state tax credits (21%) and increased home value (12%).
However, according to the survey, Americans are lacking information about solar energy, with 70% wishing they knew more about renewable energy sources and nearly half (48%) confused about solar energy options.
Adults are apprehensive to use solar energy due to the perceived stress of dealing with installation, such as updating electrical systems and dealing with zoning laws (47%). Other reasons for not using solar energy include the belief it may not be available in their area (16%), it wouldn't generate enough energy (19%) or they may not live in a sunny location (12%).
‘The survey makes it clear that solar companies must do a better job communicating how easy and affordable it is to incorporate solar power into your home,’ says Danny Kennedy, Sungevity's founder.
