Key Findings from Indiana Energy Issues Survey
February 20, 2023
The latest statewide survey in Indiana shows widespread, growing and bipartisan support for renewable energy and, specifically, solar farm development across Indiana.
75% of Hoosier voters have a favorable view of solar energy projects in the state. This is up from 71% last year. They also see solar energy as clean, affordable, and reliable, with half of all voters indicating that they view solar energy as all three – clean, affordable and reliable.
Hoosiers Overwhelmingly Support Solar Energy
69% agree that it is reliable
87% agree that solar energy is clean
56% agree that it is affordable
Hoosiers also have favorable views of solar and wind energy companies operating in the state. 60% of Hoosiers surveyed view companies who own and operate large solar companies favorably, up slightly from 58% favorable last year. Companies who own and operate large wind farms also have 60% favorability, up from 55% favorable last year. Fewer than one in five have negative views.
Majority Supports Easing Restrictions on Solar Farm Development
Overall, 58% of Hoosiers want the state government to ease development restrictions on solar farms, up significantly from 47% last year. Whereas only 8% of statewide voters want to make restrictions harder, and 27% want to keep restrictions as they currently stand.
Majorities of urban, suburban and rural voters agree that restrictions should be eased. Republicans and Independents have both moved toward supporting easing development restrictions. 48% of Republicans and 59% of Independents are supportive, up from 36% and 43% last year, respectively. 70% of Democrats also stand in support.
Solar Energy and Farmers’ Property Rights
Farmers’ property rights receive overwhelming support with respect to renewable energy projects. Voters say, if farmers want to use their land for renewable projects, they should be allowed to do so without interference from the government. 86% of all respondents believe this, including 82% of Republicans, 87% of Independents, and 90% of Democrats.
Additionally, more than 60% of Hoosier voters believe renewable energy projects reduce carbon emissions, enable energy independence, lower energy costs and help attract new jobs and new economic development.
A total of 600 online interviews were conducted among registered voters statewide in Indiana. Interviews were conducted January 30th – February 1st, 2023 with a margin of error of +/- 4.0%.