This summary of findings from hundreds of studies is devoted to an interpretation of public preferences as parameters for policymaking. Gaps in existing knowledge about what people say and what they do about energy are also identified. Research gaps exist for energy conservation, solar energy, oil as an energy source, coal, environmental effects, and energy trade-offs. Overall, most studies on energy opinion are atheoretical, which limits their usefulness for policy purposes and perpetuates research gaps. From the few theoretical analyses that have been done, the following hypotheses for further research are suggested: (1) that willingness to conserve energy, adopt solar energy, and accept other alternatives, such as nuclear power or gasoline rationing, are a function of belief in an energy crisis; (2) that belief in an energy crisis is a function of (a) attribution of the energy problem to the declining availability of fossil fuels rather than to sociopolitical and economic causes; (b) negative energy-related impacts experienced or anticipated; (c) awareness of energy facts and issues; (d) environmental concern; and (e) exposure to credible information sources with high levels of factual knowledge; and (3) that adoption of energy-conserving practices and of solar energy is a function of (a) their perceivedmore » effectiveness; (b) concern about any risks involved; (c) assessment of the relative advantage of doing so; (d) awareness and knowledge; (e) a favorable position toward it; (f) the availability of the necessary information and equipment; and (g) coming to a decision to act. 150 references, 3 figures, 5 tables.« less