A survey from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has found that for the fifth straight year, Americans support the solar energy industry and the government’s efforts to sustain its growth.
The survey, conducted by independent polling firm Hart Research Associates, found that nine out of ten (92 percent) of likely voters overwhelmingly support U.S. efforts to develop and use solar energy.
For the most part, this support was strong across political parties with 98 percent of Democrats, 84 percent of Republicans, and 95 percent of Independents agreeing on solar.
“American voters have spoken loud and clear—they love solar and they want more of it. Republicans, independents, and Democrats are unified in calling on Congress to increase our use of solar energy in America,” said Rhone Resch, President and CEO of SEIA.
This strong support translates to bipartisan agreement on federal incentives promoting solar energy, with 78 percent saying that the government should provide tax credits and financial incentives to encourage the development and use of solar energy.
Two-thirds of swing voters (67 percent) favor solar above any other energy source to benefit from tax and financial incentives.
“These results clearly show that American voters across the political spectrum have a strong favorable view of solar energy and the solar industry, and they believe that government has an important role to play in allowing this industry to grow and succeed,” said Geoff Garin, president of Hart Research Associates.
While some voters are uncertain about the affordability of solar, Resch says things are looking up for the industry as costs continue to drop, making solar a viable power option for families and businesses across the country.
“As an industry, we need to get the word out across the country that solar is an affordable and reliable choice today – not just in California,” said Resch.
“Solar is cost-competitive today whether you’re in Phoenix, Arizona or Dayton, Ohio. Families and companies are seeing real savings every day thanks to their decision to go solar,” he added.
Driven by technological advances and innovations in system financing, the average system price of a home solar system has dropped 50 percent since 2007.
