OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (AP) -- A Southeast solar energy conference was tempered by a national survey suggesting penny-pinching consumers remain skeptical.

An annual consumer survey called Energy Pulse showed that consumers think the words "energy efficient" or "green" mean "more expensive."

About 150 solar energy businessmen and advocates are attending a two-day regional conference hosted by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.

Forecasts suggest the solar potential in the Southwest alone could supply six times the national demand for electricity.

Industry officials also see potential in the sunny Southeast where solar is less developed.

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