Solar energy wins support among Trump-aligned voters
A majority of Trump’s MAGA voters support solar energy, especially when photovoltaic panels are produced in the United States and without relying on materials from China. The finding comes from a survey shared exclusively with Axios.
Despite efforts by the Trump administration to curb renewable energy through Interior Department permitting restrictions and tax legislation that accelerates the phaseout of clean energy incentives, the poll, commissioned by the US manufacturer First Solar, suggests that a significant share of Trump’s electoral coalition remains favorable toward solar power.
The Trump administration versus renewable energy
The Trump administration has been blocking or delaying solar and wind projects by halting federal approval pathways. More than 60 large wind and solar projects under development on federal land are currently stalled, according to the New York Times. The administration has also slowed hundreds of projects on private land that still require federal consultations.
A separate survey conducted by Yale University recently found that an overwhelming majority of US voters do not support Trump’s climate and energy policies. Respondents also believe that the worsening climate crisis is contributing to higher living costs.
70% of MAGA voters favor made in USA solar panels
The firm Fabrizio, Lee & Associates surveyed a group of voters identifying as “GOP+”, a mix of Republicans, Republican-leaning independents, and Trump voters. The results show:
- Support versus opposition: 51% of respondents support large-scale solar installations, projects designed to feed electricity directly into the grid, while 30% oppose them.
- The made in USA effect: support rises to 70% when solar panels are manufactured domestically using US-made materials rather than imports from China.
- Energy costs: 68% agreed with the statement, “We need all forms of energy generation, including large-scale solar, to reduce electricity costs.”
Energy independence and affordable bills
According to an accompanying memo, “GOP+ voters want the United States to achieve energy independence and keep utility bills affordable. They understand that large-scale solar energy is a key part of making that happen.” The memo adds that the belief among some conservatives that solar energy is anathema to right-wing voters is unfounded.
The research indicates that voters within Trump’s coalition, and the broader Republican Party, do not view renewable energy, and solar energy in particular, as an enemy. On the contrary, many welcome renewables if they help lower electricity bills and strengthen US energy independence.
Samantha Sloan of First Solar commented, “It is critical that large-scale solar is seen for what it is, a common-sense solution that lowers energy costs, improves grid reliability, and supports American jobs. This new survey shows that GOP voters agree.”
Rising energy costs in the United States
According to a report released last December by the environmental group Climate Power, since Trump took office household electricity bills have risen by 13% nationwide. Residential natural gas prices have increased by 98% since the start of Trump’s term. The report argues that the administration’s policies are driving up utility costs and destroying jobs, while financing new tax breaks for oil and gas companies.
Democratic senators say Trump administration policies, from blocking permits for more than 500 projects to canceling clean energy investments, are contributing to higher utility costs. Up to 4 million households reportedly experienced utility shutoffs in 2025, nearly half a million more than in 2024. Low-income families now spend between 6% and 10% of their income on energy. The loss of tax credits has also slowed the adoption of heat pumps.
“President Trump promised to cut electricity prices in half, yet prices are up 13% nationwide since he took office just over a year ago,” said Senator Martin Heinrich, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “Instead of saving money, workers across the country, and certainly in my home state of New Mexico, are wondering how they will keep the lights and heat on this year. At the same time, energy demand is growing at a pace we have not seen in recent history.”