A vast majority of Americans, across all political parties, overwhelmingly support development and funding of solar energy, and their support for solar has remained consistent over the last year, according to the 2009 SCHOTT Solar Barometer, a nationally representative survey conducted by independent polling firm Kelton Research.
The survey found that 92% 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% of Republicans, 94% of Democrats and 93% 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, according to the report. 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% of Americans would opt for solar over other sources such as wind (17%), natural gas (12%) and nuclear (10%). Almost half (49%) of all Americans are currently pondering solar power options for their home or business.
However, many respondents feel they lack information on solar, as fewer than one in five (12%) can claim that they are extremely informed about the subject of solar power in general. Almost three in four (74%) Americans admit they wish they knew more about solar power options for their home or business.
SOURCES: SCHOTT Solar, Solar Energy Industries Association
