As the solar-energy industry gears up to add more generating capacity than any other source this year, a Pew Research Center survey, “Public Opinion on Renewables and Other Energy Sources,” finds that almost nine out of 10 U.S. adults (89 percent) favor expanding use of solar power, while only 9 percent oppose it.

Some Americans have already installed or are exploring solar power at home, too. The report finds that 4 percent of homeowners have residential solar panels, and 40 percent have given serious thought to adding them.


Western U.S. homeowners are particularly likely to say they have already installed (14 percent) or are considering (52 percent) solar panels at home. By contrast, only 2 percent of homeowners who live in other regions report having already installed solar panels, and 37 percent say they have seriously considered it.


The reported popularity of home solar panels in the West broadly aligns with available data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). California leads the country in electricity-generating capacity from distributed solar power. As of a year ago, about 40 percent of all electricity-generating capacity from distributed solar in the United States came from California, according to the EIA. Other Western states also ranked among the leaders in distributed solar power in the nation, with Arizona ranking third and Hawaii sixth.


A mix of factors could explain the popularity of distributed solar in these states. Arizona and California receive the most sunlight throughout the year. California and Hawaii have some of the highest electricity prices in the country, so rooftop solar panels are attractive as a way to reduce the cost of utility bills.


Homeowners’ interest in solar panels reflects both financial and environmental concerns, with 90 percent of homeowners reporting that they have installed or considered home solar panels in order to save money on utility bills, and 87 percent reporting their interest is environmentally motivated.


Fewer among this group (60 percent) say getting a solar tax investment credit is a reason they installed or considered installing solar power at home. A federal tax credit for solar projects has recently been extended for five more years.