The Roper Center for Public Opinion Research recently surveyed 1,004 adults regarding their thoughts on solar power installations in new homes. The results include the observation that 87% of Americans believe solar electricity should be an option for all new home construction. That percentage has increased significantly from the results garnered one year ago, in which only 79% of respondents expressed the same view.

The survey, commissioned by Sharp Electronics Corp., has generated additional interest among homebuilders who are under increasing pressure to satisfy consumers’ demands amidst a flat real estate market. As more and more consumers express their interest in solar technology, homebuilders are keen to take notice of increasing trends and sales of solar-powered homes.

However, the survey also highlighted consumers’ misunderstandings of solar powered options, including the misconception that solar power is more likely to be able to power lights and heat bath water than to power home electronics and computers.

Accordingly, Sharp has recently launched a solar informational campaign dubbed “Hello Sunshine in hopes of clearing up many of the misunderstandings that consumers express.

Additionally, the survey highlighted the fact that consumers are much more likely to adopt a solar power installation if they do not have to place a large amount of money down to cover the cost of installation and materials. To address these isssues, Sharp initiated an alliance in 2006 with CitiMortgage, enabling consumers to fund their residential solar power system through a home equity program that allows homeowners to offset the the system costs.

Although we have seen other takes on “no money down” solar installations, the options given by Sharp and CitiMortgage present a much more viable financial strategy as a means to implementing residential solar.