A survey study released earlier this week reveals that an overwhelming majority of Americans both believe they understand and support solar-energy development.

The survey, commissioned and conducted by Pike Research in Boulder, Colo., found that 79 percent of Americans look favorably on solar energy development. Additionally, 75 percent view wind-energy development favorably.

The survey questioned more than 1,000 Americans from all over the country, according to the study’s summary.

Pike Research is a market research and consulting firm that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets.

“This survey was aimed to uncover some insight on consumer demand for the various energy and environmental concepts,” said Brian Davis, the survey author for Pike Research. “We believe it is critical to factor in consumer perceptions when we analyze a market’s potential in both near and long term scenarios.”

The survey measured attitudes toward renewable energy sources along with other green economy issues like hybrid cars, clean coal technology, cap-and-trade programs, nuclear power development, smart grid and smart meters and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design building standards.

It took into account demographics such as age, education and income levels.

Solar energy proved to be the most familiar and the most favorably-viewed of all energy and green technology. Only four percent of survey respondents said they were not familiar with solar technology. Three percent said they viewed it somewhat unfavorably, while only 1 percent said they viewed it extremely unfavorably.

A majority of respondents, 52 percent said they viewed solar energy production “very favorably.”

One surprise in the survey was that older survey respondents had a more favorable view of solar than younger ones. Eighty-six percent of respondents between 45 and 64 had a favorable view of solar while only 71 percent of those under 30 said they viewed solar energy development favorably.

The finding was a surprise because “it is commonly assumed that younger consumers are more enthusiastic about renewable energy concepts,” according to the survey. Even the over-65 crowd was more enthusiastic about solar than the youngest respondents.

More educated people tended to have more favorable views of solar, while middle-class respondents had more favorable views of solar development than poorer or wealthier respondents, according to the survey.

Davis said the survey serves a valuable function for Pike Research.

“It is important to inform our direct customers, such as utilities and clean-energy providers, how these various concepts are being perceived by consumers and how those perceptions may change over time,” David said. “Our main goal is provide in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets and the consumer point of view is a key contributor to that analysis.”

Pictured: despite the study’s finding that younger generations may undervalue solar technology, these kids are downright in love with it.