Mar 16 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Asjylyn Loder St. Petersburg Times, Fla.

The Sunshine State loves solar, a new poll says.

Using solar energy showed strong support across party lines, according to the Mason-Dixon poll sponsored by the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association and the Vote Solar Initiative, both solar power advocates.

The poll quizzed 625 registered voters, asking, "Do you think the Florida Legislature should or should not encourage investment in solar energy?" Eighty-five percent said "should," while 7 percent said "should not" and 8 percent not sure. Then the poll got down to brass tacks.

The pollsters asked "Would you support or oppose having the Florida Legislature encourage solar energy investment in Florida if it would cost you one dollar or less per month on your utility bill?"

With cash on the line, support declined a bit. Eighty-one percent they'd be willing to pay up, 14 percent opposed and 5 percent weren't sure.