Study Shows 9 of 10 Americans Want Solar Now!

Let's go solar in America!

A recent national poll in the U.S. shows that 9 out of 10 Americans want solar energy now!

Are you surprised?  Well, consider these statistics from the SCHOTT solar barometer 2009:

• 92% of Americans think it is important for the nation to develop and use solar energy. This was consistent across all political party affiliations.
• 77% of Americans feel the Federal government should make solar power development a national priority, including the financial support needed.
• Almost half (49%) of all Americans are currently pondering solar power options for their home or business.
• 43% of Americans make solar their top energy source, followed far behind by other sources including their second choice, wind (17%).

Lest you discount these findings as a political ploy, the findings are consistent across political parties (89% of Republicans and 94% of Democrats want to see more solar).  Most people in the USA support development and funding of solar energy.  Perhaps most significant is the fact that, if nothing else, support for solar energy has not declined, despite the economy.  In fact, 77% of Americans believe that solar power development should be a priority of the federal government – both with respect to funding and legislation.

Some of the other findings show that nearly half of all Americans (49%) are currently considering solar power options for their home or business. Of those, 70% would like to make the change within the next five years.

Most Americans think going solar is a great idea

The bottom line?  Americans are no longer resistant to solar energy!  They are now fully embracing it as a viable renewable energy resource. In fact, solar is more popular (43%) than other resources such as wind (17%), natural gas (12%) and nuclear (10%).

The President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, Rhone Resch, observed:

“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. By expanding the U.S. market for solar, Congress will reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions while creating jobs in all 50 states.”

Hopefully, these poll results will help spur more dissemination of information on going solar, particularly since 74% of Americans wish they knew more about solar power options for their home or business!

The SCHOTT Solar Barometer is a nationally representative survey, conducted by the independent polling firm, Kelton Research.

Tags: americans want solar, SCHOTT Solar Barometer, solar barometer, solar energy industries association, solar poll, support solor