Poll Shows Most Americans Want Solar Energy

A national survey found that 92% of Americans believe it is important for the country to develop and incorporate solar energy into the nation's electricity supply. The survey, the 2009 Schott Solar BarometerTM, also showed that 77% of Americans surveyed want the federal government to make solar energy a national priority and to provide financial support to make it happen.

 

Schott, which manufactures components for photovoltaic installations and solar energy plants, commissioned the nationally representative survey from Kelton Research, a respected market research firm.

 

The survey results remained consistent with a 2008 survey in which the same questions were asked of respondents. In the 2008 survey, 94% of respondents strongly supported development and use of solar energy. The slight difference between the two surveys is within the margin of error for the surveys. Results from the new survey held true across party affiliations with 89% of Republicans, 93% of Independents and 94% of Democrats expressing their support.

 

"With controversial debates happening all over America, this isn't one of them," said Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association. "Americans overwhelmingly want clean, reliable solar energy for their homes and businesses. It's now time for Congress to listen to the American public and prioritize the use of solar in upcoming energy legislation," Resch added.

 

Responses to additional questions underscored the overwhelming sentiment. Almost half of Americans are considering solar options for their homes or businesses; 70% of those are thinking of converting to solar sometime in the next five years. Also, 43% of Americans would choose solar as their primary energy source, well ahead of other alternative energy options. Wind power was the lagging second choice at 17%, followed by natural gas at 12% and nuclear power at 10%.

 

However, the survey also illustrated a huge gap between the strong support for solar and how much respondents actually know about it. Roughly 12% said they were well-informed about the topic and 74% admitted that they wished they knew more about solar energy for their homes and businesses.

 

   Quick Take: OK, some healthy skepticism is certainly to be expected here. But a few things to consider: The 2008 and 2009 polls show remarkably consistent results. Also, solar has been around for a while and remains a darling in the world of Smart Grid technologies despite taking a hard thumping from the economic meltdown. And another thing: We're inclined to trust Kelton Research. It has conducted market research for more than 100 of the Fortune 500 companies; its client list reads like a Who's Who in American Business. It does, however, appear that the solar industry needs to seriously beef up its public education efforts.

  Solar Energy Industries Association news release

  Sustainable Business news article