Solar energy is the most popular source of electricity in Australia with more than three times the backing of coal-fired or nuclear power, a survey by Ipsos has found.

The poll of almost 1200 people around the country found that solar panels on roof tops were supported by 87 per cent of respondents, with large-scale solar farms "strongly" or "somewhat" backed by 78 per cent.

Ninety per cent of households are looking to solar panels. Credit:Matt Bedford

Wind farms and hydro, at 72 per cent, also far eclipsed backing of just 23 per cent for coal and 26 per cent for nuclear energy.