In yet another sign that solar energy systems are not only becoming established as a mainstream source of energy, but also gaining ground as a viable renewable energy source, a new survey shows public approval of solar panel development on public land.

According to a national poll released by the Solar Energy Industries Association last week, 75 percent of Americans supported the development of solar energy plants on public lands that have not been designated a protected area or named a national park or nature preserve.

With data in hand from the survey, which was conducted by Gotham Research Group, SEIA president and CEO Rhone Resch said he expected a "banner year" in 2010 with upcoming projects that will generate more than 200 megawatts of solar energy.

"This polling data confirms what we already knew," he added. "The American public overwhelmingly supports the development of solar energy. It is time for our elected officials to respond to this high public demand and enact policies that allow solar to compete with other energy sources on a level playing field."

The SEIA also reported that while 5 new solar energy plants came online in 2009 to generate 58 megawatts of renewable energy, more than 100 projects were currently in development and capable of producing 17 gigawatts of power while providing more than 100,000 jobs to the U.S. workforce as well.