Utilities leaving green power market untapped

October 21, 2014 | By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

Just nine percent of those surveyed in a national poll by EnviroMedia report that they currently participate in a renewable energy or green power program with their electricity provider, but a whopping 69 percent are interested in these types of programs. Further, a large majority say they are definitely or somewhat interested in solar leasing programs that offer solar panel installation for little or no money down and a low monthly fee.

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"It's no surprise we found 70 percent of Americans perceived 'cost' was a barrier to installing solar panels," said EnviroMedia president and behavior change expert Kevin Tuerff. "Consumers are probably unaware of the plummeting cost of solar power, and most have never heard of solar leasing."

This conclusion is drawn from the fact that nearly half – 48 percent – of those surveyed in the EnviroMedia poll have not considered adding solar panels to their home to offset some of their electricity use.

Interest in a solar option spiked, however, when respondents were educated about the benefits of a solar leasing program, at which point, 67 percent reported being very or somewhat interested in such a program.

"Americans need basic education about where their electricity comes from and how clean energy works," said Tuerff. "Unfortunately, only one-third of Americans said they definitely know the fuel source of their electricity, so we've got a ways to go."

For more:
- see this report

http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/utilities-leaving-green-power-market-untapped/2014-10-21