An REC Solar installed 7 kW system on a rooftop near Boulder, Colorado. (Photo Courtesy of REC Solar)

A new Rasmussen Reports national phone survey has found solid support for solar power in the United States. The survey found that many Americans are supportive of solar energy and that they are at least somewhat likely to consider such an investment for their own home.

According to the survey, 44% of Americans believe solar energy should become a standard method of heating homes in the United States, compared to 23% who disagree and 33% who weren't sure. Also in the poll, 31% indicated that they are "at least somewhat likely" to make solar investments in their homes in the next five years, while 13% called themselves "very likely" to do so. Those in the 18 to 40 age group were said to be most likely to believe that solar will become a widespread home heating source in the United States.

According to the survey, nearly one-out-of-three adults (31%) say they are at least somewhat likely to use solar power in their homes in the next five years, including 13% who say they are very likely to do so. And, many Americans may still be reluctant to go solar because of the perception that it requires a high up-front investment. For example, 25% of those making more than $100,000 per year said they are very likely to install solar power at home in the next five years, compared to only 6 percent of those making between $20,000 and $40,000 per year.

"It is nice to see evidence that American support is trending upward for solar energy," said Robert Hines, President of Management at Evolution Solar Corp, which worked to commission the survey. "We have believed this was true, but the new survey provides credible proof of the positive trend among the American people."

The survey also found that 55% of voters believe finding new sources of energy is more important than reducing the amount of energy Americans now consume. Support for finding new sources of energy has been this high or higher for months.

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