Solar Energy, As It Turns Out, Is a Non-Partisan Issue

Renewable energy is often seen as being a Democratic party idea. Democrats seem to intently support renewable energy as a trail to reducing greenhouse gas secretions. Republicans seemingly reject solar rebates and tax credits and don’t even believe in climate change. Right? Wrong. As it turns out, when it comes to clean energy, this cause is actually party blind.

The Results Are In: Both Parties are Going Solar

A study looked at the addresses of 1.5 million Democratic and Republican party endorsing people in the top 20 solar states and inspected their rooftops using satellite images to figure out which had installed solar in their lives.

3.06% of Democratic donors and 2.24% of Republican donors had rooftop solar installed onto their home. When the search was narrowed down even more, it was found that in some states, Republicans actually had more solar than Democrats. In Hawaii, for example, the number of Republicans with solar was 9.58% compared to the Democratic percentage of 8.5%. And what about California, the state known for being a Democratic powerhouse with a love for environmentalism? Well, turns out they were neck and neck, with Democrats leading with only 7.43% to the Republicans’ percentage of 7.27%.

The Whole Pie

When looking at the top twenty states as a whole, the difference also isn’t as dramatic as one might expect. Democrats have 3.06% while Republicans have 2.24%. Which means that while it’s definitely true that Democratic voters, and especially donors, have more of an investment in solar energy, it’s not so much of a difference as to actually make it seem like this is a partisan issue.

State Values

What really seems to matter when it comes to solar adoption is the values of the state as opposed to the values of the party. For California, as an example, being a leader in green technology means that it’s likely living in California makes one value renewable energy more than their party.

It also depends on how established solar is in the state. Looking back at Hawaii, solar has been established for a long time. It makes sense, considering how much sun they get over there. In fact, looking at the top three solar states, there’s one striking thing in common: Hawaii, California, and Arizona. Sun, sun, and more sun. With solar an already established corporation, it actually makes perfect sense that Republicans are invested. They love business, and they love growing small businesses, which is exactly what’s currently going on with the solar industry. They also, like most people, love saving money. If there’s one thing solar energy is great at, it’s saving money.

What does this mean for the future of solar?

When it comes to the future of solar, one thing is very clear: with the proper information, anyone can become a consumer, regardless of their political position.

Everyone should hopefully want to save our planet. After all, Republican or Democrat, we all live here.

Everyone wants to save money, and by investing in solar, both Republicans and Democrats will do just that.

As it turns out, solar energy is becoming a human issue, instead of a partisan issue. With some people focused on reducing greenhouse emissions and others focused on saving money and promoting new businesses, there’s a little something for everyone in the solar industry, and that means a bright future ahead.

Want to learn more about solar energy and how to get into the lifestyle? Check out the HahaSmart blog!

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