Regardless of political orientation, an overwhelming number of Americans is in favor of funding solar energy, and this support for solar has been consistent over the past year. Kelton Research, an independent polling firm conducted this nationally representative survey and the findings were reported in the 2009 SCHOTT Solar Barometer.

The development and use of solar energy is held important by nearly 92 percent of Americans, who were asked the same questions in the June 2008 SCHOTT Solar Barometer. This support for solar has not changed since then — in 2008 the results were at 94 percent, with the difference still falling into the margin of error for both polls.

Solar energy supporters do not belong to any single political party: 89 percent of Republicans, 94 percent of Democrats and 93 percent of Independents agree on the fact that it is important for the United States to develop and implement this type of power.

Another sentiment that has remained the same since June 2008 is that Americans in general (77%) feel that the development of solar power and other renewable energy resources needs to be a major priority and financially supported by the federal government.

When asked which energy source they would support if they were President, 43 percent of Americans would choose to fund solar power over other sources like wind (17%), natural gas (12%) and nuclear (10%).