First Solar Poll Finds 79% Of GOP+ Voters Support Fair Competition In Electricity Generation And See U.S.-Made Solar As Key To Energy Independence

A new national poll conducted by Fabrizio, Lee & Associates and commissioned by First Solar, Inc. shows broad support for solar energy among Republicans, Republican-leaning Independents and voters who supported former President Donald J. Trump, a group categorized in the survey as GOP+. The poll, which surveyed 800 GOP+ voters across the United States, found strong backing for utility-scale solar and even higher support when the technology is manufactured domestically.

Overall, voters favored the use of large-scale solar energy by a margin of more than 20 points, with 51% expressing support. When respondents were told the solar panels were American-made and had no ties to China, support rose dramatically to 70%, with only 19% opposed. This reflects a clear preference for domestically produced clean energy technologies.

The findings also reveal that GOP+ voters strongly believe in an energy system that uses every available source. According to the poll, 68% agreed that the United States needs a diverse mix of electricity generation—including utility-scale solar—to help lower power costs, compared to 22% who disagreed. Additionally, an overwhelming 79% said the government should allow all forms of electricity generation to compete fairly, without political interference. Only 11% disagreed with this view, indicating a strong desire for a market-driven approach to energy.

The results also show that voters’ views on energy could influence electoral decisions. A majority of GOP+ voters, 52%, said they would be more likely to support a Congressional candidate who advocates for an all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes solar. Likewise, 51% said they would be more inclined to vote for a candidate who supports an American company building a solar panel manufacturing plant in the United States.

Pollsters Tony Fabrizio, David Lee and Travis Tunis noted that GOP+ voters are focused on achieving American energy independence and keeping electricity affordable. They emphasized that many voters see utility-scale solar as an important tool in meeting these goals, especially when the technology is produced in the United States rather than imported from China.

Samantha Sloan, executive vice president of Corporate Affairs at First Solar, said the results highlight clear support for utility-scale solar, especially solar powered by American innovation and manufacturing. She stressed the importance of taking a pragmatic approach to power generation—one that uses every available resource, including U.S.-made solar technology, to strengthen energy security, economic growth and national competitiveness.

First Solar has been manufacturing in the United States since 2002 and is now the country’s leading solar technology and manufacturing company. It operates the Western Hemisphere’s largest solar technology manufacturing and R&D footprint, with five plants currently running across Alabama, Louisiana and Ohio. A sixth facility is under construction in South Carolina and is expected to begin operations in the second half of 2026.

Once completed, the South Carolina plant will add 3.7 gigawatts (GW) of annual production capacity, bringing First Solar’s total U.S. manufacturing capacity to 17.7 GW by 2027.By the end of 2026, First Solar expects to employ more than 5,500 people in the United States. Since 2019, the company will have invested nearly $4.5 billion in American solar manufacturing and R&D infrastructure, reinforcing its long-term commitment to building a strong, competitive clean energy supply chain within the country.