Americans’ Attitudes Towards Solar Energy

GoodPower worked with NORC at the University of Chicago using their Amerispeak panel to understand Americans’ attitudes on solar energy, electricity prices, and concerns about how the war with Iran is impacting energy costs. The survey fielded March 19-23, 2026 with 1,376 U.S. residents, including an oversample of Republican voters.

Overall we find that solar is the most popular form of energy in the U.S., including majority support from Republicans. Americans are concerned about the war in Iran driving up energy costs and support domestic solar to bolster energy security and independence. The potential for solar to lower energy costs and create jobs further increases support.

Solar energy is broadly popular and the most popular form of energy in the U.S. Republicans are generally supportive of solar especially if it lowers energy costs and creates jobs.

When comparing all potential sources of energy, solar draws the broadest support of any option tested. Of U.S. adults, 59% want more emphasis on solar energy, 61% support utility-scale solar projects, and 68% support building solar in their own community, support that outpaces every other energy source, including wind, gas, and nuclear.

There is bipartisan concern that the war in Iran will increase energy costs and messaging about the war increased Republicans’ support for solar as an opportunity to strengthen energy security. The war in Iran is contributing to Americans’ anxieties about high energy costs but also provides a compelling reason to bolster domestic solar in order to protect the country from unstable global markets. In the survey, 65% of Republicans and 91% of Democrats support expanding domestic solar to reduce dependence on global oil and gas markets.