A survey conducted by the polling firm Kelton Research and reported in the SCHOTT Solar BarometerTM revealed that 77 percent of Americans feel that the development of solar power, and other renewable energy sources, should be a major priority of the federal government. 91 percent of Republicans, 97 percent of Democrats and 98 percent of Independents agree that developing solar power is vital to the United States. When asked if they were President, 41 per cent of respondents picked solar. When compared to coal, solar and wind were favored nearly 20 times more.
“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 also found that nearly three-quarters of Republicans (72 percent), Democrats (72 percent) and Independents (74 percent) 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. Current federal legislation, which provides incentives to spur the growth of renewable energy, is set to expire at the end of the year. Experts predict that without long-term renewal of the legislation, the solar energy industry will struggle to maintain its momentum, with billions of dollars and thousands of jobs in losses.
“Solar development means job growth for Americans, by Americans, in an industry that will benefit America.†said Dr. Gerald Fine, President & CEO of SCHOTT North America. “Rather than rely on foreign sources for fuel, the U.S. can aspire to become the world’s leader in clean energy.â€
well, the people have spoken. the US has the potential to overtake Germany in the solar power industry if only it could do something similar like a feed in tariff like they do in Germany