Poll: 92 percent of U.S. voters support more solar energy

Likely voters in the 2012 election cycle overwhelmingly support solar energy and would like to see the federal government to do more to foster the growing industry, according to a national poll released today. The survey, commissioned by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and conducted by independent polling firm Hart Research Associates, showed for the fifth consecutive year that Americans maintain a very favorable view of solar energy and government efforts to encourage the industry’s growth. The poll found that more than nine out of 10 (92%) of likely voters feel that the US should develop and use more solar energy. This support was strong across the political spectrum with 84% of Republicans, 95% of independents, and 98% of Democrats agreeing. 

Voters’ favorable view of solar translates directly into widespread bipartisan support for federal incentives fostering solar energy. Nearly four out of five (78%) of voters say the government should provide tax credits and financial incentives to encourage the development and use of solar energy. Fully two-thirds of swing voters (67%) chose solar above any other energy source to receive tax and financial incentives.