Poll finds strong support for utility-scale solar among republican voters

A new national poll reveals that a majority of Republican and Republican-leaning voters support utility-scale solar power, with backing rising significantly when the panels are American-made and free of ties to China. The findings challenge common assumptions about conservative attitudes toward renewable energy and highlight a nuanced view of energy policy among right-leaning voters.

The survey, conducted by Fabrizio, Lee & Associates and commissioned by U.S. solar manufacturer First Solar, Inc., polled 800 Republican, Republican-leaning independent, and supporters of President Donald J. Trump (“GOP+”) between January 19 and 21, 2026. Respondents were randomly selected from registered voter lists, and the poll carries a margin of error of ±3.46 percent. 

According to the poll, 51 percent of GOP+ respondents said they favor the use of utility-scale solar energy, large solar facilities that generate electricity for the grid, compared with those who oppose it, giving solar power a more than 20-point margin of support within this political cohort. 

Support rises sharply when survey respondents were told that the solar panels would be American-made and have no ties to China. Under that scenario, 70 percent of GOP+ voters said they would support utility-scale solar development, while just 19 percent opposed it.

The poll also found broad agreement on the role of solar within a broader energy strategy. About 68 percent of respondents said the United States needs all forms of electricity generation, including utility-scale solar, to help lower energy costs, compared with 22 percent who disagreed. 

An even larger majority, 79 percent, said that the government should allow all forms of electricity generation, including utility-scale solar, to compete on their own merits without political interference. Only 11 percent opposed that view. 

Political implications and voter preferences

The poll suggests that solar energy could be an important factor in future elections for Republican candidates. A slim majority of GOP+ respondents, 52 percent, said they are more likely to support a congressional candidate who favors an “all-of-the-above” energy agenda that includes solar power. Similarly, 51 percent said they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports an American company building a solar panel manufacturing plant in the United States. 

“Sustainable energy, especially when it involves American manufacturing, resonates strongly with this group of voters,” said the pollsters, Tony Fabrizio, David Lee and Travis Tunis, in a statement. “GOP+ voters want America to have energy independence and for their electric bills to be affordable. They understand that utility solar energy is a key part of allowing that to happen, especially when the panels for that solar energy can be made right here in the USA without any ties to China.” 

Industry Reaction and Broader Context

First Solar, which has manufactured thin-film solar panels in the United States since 2002 and operates facilities in several Republican-leaning states including Ohio, Alabama and Louisiana, highlighted the poll data as evidence of broad conservative support for solar energy. Samantha Sloan, executive vice president of corporate affairs at First Solar, noted that the findings demonstrate “a commonsense approach to power generation” supported by GOP+ voters.

The results also contrast with some federal policy actions in recent years that have scaled back certain renewable energy incentives and prioritized other forms of generation. Nevertheless, the poll underscores that voters, including many who backed President Trump, may view solar power through lenses of energy independence and economic competitiveness rather than solely climate advocacy.

The findings suggest a shifting landscape in public opinion on energy policy, particularly among Republican-aligned voters. Support for American-made solar could shape how lawmakers approach renewable energy incentives, manufacturing policy and trade issues, given the growing role of solar in the nation’s electric grid and broader debates over domestic supply chains.

As utilities, policymakers and political leaders continue to weigh strategies for meeting future energy needs, this poll indicates that solar power, especially anchored in U.S. manufacturing, may enjoy broader bipartisan appeal than commonly assumed. 

Sources:

• Poll finds Republicans support utility-scale solar, especially if panels are American-made (Solar Power World Online) (Solar Power World)
• New poll shows GOP voters support solar energy, American-made solar (Axios) (Axios)