Poll reveals voters strongly support solar energy use in the U.S.

Nine out of ten voters believe it's important for the U.S. to develop and use more solar energy, according to a new survey. The independent polling firm Hart Research Associates, found likely voters in the 2012 election overwhelmingly support solar energy and would like to see the government do more to help the industry grow in the U.S.

This is good news for solar companies in San Diego county, the region with the highest concentration of solar energy companies in the country. Especially considering the support was strong across the political spectrum with 84 percent of Republicans, 95 percent of independents, and 98 percent of Democrats agreeing that the U.S. needs more solar power. 

"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 the Solar Energy Industries Association in a press release. 

In the survey, almost four out of five of voters said the government should provide tax credits and financial incentives to encourage the development and use of solar energy. Voters' favorable view of solar translates directly into widespread bipartisan support for federal incentives fostering solar energy. Sixty-seven percent of swing voters preferred solar above any other energy source to receive tax and financial incentives. 

The poll consisted of 1,206 U.S. voters, including a heavy sampling of swing voters, who made up up two-thirds of all polled individuals. According to Hart Research, the swing voter sample included only respondents who did not indicate a strong or consistent partisan voting history. The poll was conducted online September 4 to 9 and was commissioned by SEIA. 

Today more than 100,000 Americans work at 5,600 solar energy companies across the nation in all 50 states. The industry more than doubled the amount of solar installed in the U.S. in the second quarter of this year compared to 2011, and growth is expected to continue in the second half of 2012. 

Industry experts say the average system price of a San Diego solar system has dropped 50 percent since 2007. Innovations in system financing have made solar more affordable than ever before. Today, major U.S. brands rely on solar to keep costs low for consumers. 

According to the press release, the top 10 states for total solar electric capacity are (in descending order): California, New Jersey, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, and North Carolina.