Our respondents are big fans of solar power

Solar power is an increasingly popular way to cut electric bills and even contribute to the power grid without producing a ton of greenhouse gasses. But some places in Louisiana, which has long been an oil and gas state, are wary about the concept — particularly when it comes the giant solar "farms" that utility companies use.

We asked our Baton Rouge Power Poll participants what they think of solar power. And, overwhelmingly, the answer is: They like it.

In fact, they love it. When we asked how Louisiana should handle solar power, most didn't just say the state should support it; 60% said the state should heavily support it through subsidies and investments.

Most of the controversy around solar power in Louisiana has been over the big solar farms, and what parish governments should do about them. But when it comes to our Power Poll respondents, there's not much controversy at all.

And support was even stronger when it comes to the smaller-scale use of solar panels on homes and businesses.

One interesting tidbit: While our respondents seem to like the idea of solar power, few have actually installed solar panels themselves. They have thought about it, though.

Another interesting note: Our respondents don't think Louisianans in general are hostile to solar power, necessarily, but they do seem to think the general public is less enthusiastic about it than they are themselves.