9 out of 10 Americans Think Solar Has Increased Role to Play in US Energy Mix

September 27th, 2012 by Adam Johnston

A new poll suggests nearly 9 out of 10 American adults think solar energy should play a bigger role in the energy supply mix.

The Ipsos-Reid Poll done for Sungevity recognized 89% of respondents favor more solar power in the US energy supply.

Meanwhile, 81% of those surveyed (see infograph) said that, despite whatever political stripe is in power, solar energy should be used in state and federal residences.

Other key statistics from the Ipsos-Reid survey included:

80% of those surveyed want their elected representatives to support solar energy.

81% of respondents said decreasing dependency of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) is good for the economy and the environment.

80% of US adults said financial benefits, including decreased electricity costs (60%), are the biggest benefits of solar. Other popular mentions regarding those financial benefits are: relying less on fluttering fossil fuel costs (26%), state & federal tax credits (21%), and higher home values (12%).

72% believe solar industry jobs are better than their fossil fuel counterparts for the economy and the environment. 4 out of 10 Americans in the survey also think solar jobs would boost local economies and reduce energy costs.

70% of Americans want more info about renewable sources, while 48% are bewildered on the types of solar options available for consumers. (Here’s a good list of options for going solar.)

“The continued uptake of solar power can drive considerable economic growth for the American economy and provide critical long-term benefits to the environment,” said co-founder of Sungevity Danny Kennedy, and author of the new book Rooftop Revolution, How Solar Power Can Save Our Economy – and Planet – From Dirty Energy.

“It’s clear that Americans support and see the bottom-line benefits of solar power. I’d encourage anybody with an interest in saving money, creating jobs, and powering their home with clean energy to discover the ease and affordability of incorporating solar energy into their daily lives,” he said.

However, despite the survey, there are some challenges that face the solar industry in making it more appealing to consumers. Of those asked why they would not use solar energy, 47% said installation doubts were the biggest obstacle. Other challenges noted in the survey included: lack of solar options in the area (16%), not generating enough energy (19%), and customers not living in a very sunny place (12%) — of course, none of those were majority answers, but misconceptions (such as the last one) and obstacles still need to be addressed.

“The survey makes it clear that solar companies must do a better job communicating how easy and affordable it is to incorporate solar power into your home,” said Kennedy in the statement.

“Whether it’s the ability to design a solar system through our Sungevity website or getting a system installed for no money down through our solar lease program, companies like Sungevity are trying to make the customer experience with going solar as easy as possible.”

Source: PR Newswire









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