94 percent of Americans say it's important for the U.S. to develop and use solar energy, according to a new poll that found support for solar power runs across the political spectrum. The SCHOTT Solar BarometerTM survey, conducted by the independent polling firm, Kelton Research, found that 91 percent of Republicans, 97 percent of Democrats and 98 percent of Independents agree that developing solar power is "vital" to the United States.

The poll revealed that 77 percent of Americans believe the development of solar power, and other renewable energy sources, should be a major priority of the federal government. 86 percent of Independent voters supporting the statement. When asked which one energy source they would support if they were President, 41 percent of Americans picked solar, followed by wind. Coal was listed by only 3 percent of those polled.

"These results are an undeniable signal to our elected leaders that Americans want job-creating solar power, now," said Rhone Resch, President of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). The survey found more than 70 percent of Americans are in favor an extension of the federal investment tax credits (ITC) as a way to encourage development of solar power and fund continued development of the technology. The U.S. Senate will consider the Renewable Energy & Job Creation Act of 2008 (H.R. 6049) later this month.

(Mongabay, 11/06/2008)