Solar energy provides several significant advantages, such as reduction of the CO[subscript 2] emissions, increase of energy supply diversification, security of energy, and regional/national energy independence. Due to the reduced installation cost and the rapid advances in solar energy technology, the installed capacity of solar power has been increasing over time in the United States. Nevertheless, the solar energy capacity and policies differ significantly across the states. Thus, determining the consumers' preferences for solar energy and policies is critical for future solar energy policy development. In this study, we used the stated preference methods to elicit consumer preference for solar energy and determine the impact of solar energy policy on consumers' support of solar energy. Our results show that consumers' mean WTP was $24.110 per month for ITC, 2.5 times higher than rebate programs (i.e. $9.631) and 4 times higher than production incentives (i.e. $6.889). Consumers' mean WTP for property tax incentives ($24.691 per month) was 2.8 times higher than net metering (i.e. $8.804) and 1.16 times higher than sales tax incentives (i.e. $21.197). The fact that ITC and property tax incentives have high WTP values indicates that the respondents prefer to accept direct subsidy when they install the solar energy system. The results of the study could facilitate the development of the solar policy instruments that can more effectively encourage the solar energy adoption and extend the public understanding of the environmental and economic aspects of solar energy. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]