Poll: Vast majority of Americans believe in development, use of solar energy

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Americans overwhelmingly believe that the nation should develop and use solar energy and that the federal government should make solar power a national priority, according to a new poll. The Schott Solar Barometer survey finds almost half of all Americans are thinking about solar power as an option for their homes or businesses and cite solar as their top choice among energy sources.

The national poll, conducted for Schott (and cosponsor, the Solar Energy Industries Assn.) by independent firm for Kelton Research, found 92% of those surveyed think it is important for the nation to develop and use solar energy, a result that was consistent across all political party affiliations. A large plurality of those Americans polled–77% of Americans–believe the federal government should make solar power development a national priority, including providing the financial support needed.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

In addition to the 49% of respondents considering solar for their home or business, 43% rate solar as their top choice for energy, far outpacing wind (17%), natural gas (12%), nuclear (10%), and other sources. Among those who would like to have solar installed, 70% want to make the change within the next five years.

Despite the enthusiasm for solar, most of those surveyed feel they aren’t that knowledgable on the subject: only 12% say they’re extremely informed about the subject of solar power in general. Some 74% of the Americans polled admit they would like to know more about solar power options for their home or business.
 
“With controversial debates happening all over America, this isn’t one of them,” said Rhone Resch, SEIA president/CEO. “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.”
 
The poll was conducted between Aug. 31 and Sept. 8 using an email invitation and an online survey, and showed a 3.1% sampling variation. Results for the recent survey largely mirrored the findings of the previous year’s poll, with only a few percentage points of difference.

Read Next

Premium
October 10, 2025
Gaëtan Masson of IEA PVPS warns of overcapacity, collapsing prices and slipping module quality in the new Trends in PV Applications report.
October 10, 2025
The European solar module market has reached a “state of equilibrium” in recent weeks, with stable prices and regular demand.
October 10, 2025
US solar recycling firm OnePlanet has achieved the R2v3 certification from electronics sustainability non-profit SERI, which represents the “highest standards of traceability”.
October 10, 2025
NTPC Renewable Energy Limited has signed an MoU with the Government of Gujarat to develop 15GW renewable energy projects in Gujarat.
October 10, 2025
Australia's renewable energy sector recorded its slowest month of the year for additions in September, with 5.8GW of new projects added to development pipelines, according to data from Rystad Energy.
October 9, 2025
The Australian government has announced the results of the fourth Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) tender, with 6.6GW of renewables awarded long-term contracts.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK