If the American public were to have its way, solar energy would be powering the country now.
A new survey commissioned by Schott Solar and carried out nationally by independent polling firm Kelton Research, found that 94 percent of Americans think it is important for the U.S. to develop and use solar energy.
The results are consistent with previous polls. In August 2009 the figure was 92 per cent while in June 2008 it was 94 per cent. The results are also consistent across political party affiliation.
Four out of five respondents feel that Congress should reallocate federal subsidies away from fossil fuel towards renewable energy industries. Nearly half (49 percent) currently considering solar power options for their home or business plan to decide in less than one year.
Solar also is the most aspired to renewable energy industry. Over half (51%) of the people interviewed said they would choose to work in the solar industry if they were to start working in renewable energy.
“The message from the public is very clear. It’s time for policymakers to listen to their constituents and enact measures to rapidly increase our use of solar,” said Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
“As we debate many crucial social and economic issues during this midterm election, lawmakers should consider solar, not as an issue, but as an industry they can count on to create jobs, improve U.S. competitiveness, bolster our national security and reduce harmful pollution”, he added.
To read more details about the poll click here.
Article by Antonio Pasolini, a Brazilian writer and video art curator based in London, UK. He holds a BA in journalism and an MA in film and television.
3 comments
I live in the rainy pacific NW so it’s not so compelling to put solar panels on my roof. But, has anyone seen a service that would let me buy panels to put on a home in, say, Arizona, get the energy credited to me, and pay the homeowner something for the use of their roof? This wouldn’t have to be personal – the investors and homeowners could be completely separate. It could be like a mutual fund instead of purchasing stocks, rents space and buys solar panels. It would be great if it were actually financially viable – like pay back dividends after 5 years.
Currently that structure does not exist. The legal framework just isn’t there. Sen. Udoll (D, CO) has introduced a bill to begin opening up the kind of investment you’re looking for (http://markudall.senate.gov/?p=blog&id=529), but it still has a way to go.
Not surprising at all. The US public wants alternative energy resources; it’s the government that’s giving the Americans a hard time doing so…
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