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Feasibility of Solar House Heating: A Study in Applied Economics

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

The optimal mix of solar and conventional forms of heating is determined taking into account the factors of climate, heat loss coefficient of residential structures, fuel costs, and capital costs associated with solar heating systems of varying sizes. A simulation model mounted on a digital computer measures the annual performance of a solar heating system design of varying capacities. The optimal mix of solar and conventional heat sources is found where the present value of the savings on conventional fuel, taken over the life of the system, is equal to the cost of the system at the margin. Using the microeconomic technique of marginal analysis, present value of the marginal savings on conventional fuel, resulting from the utilization of the solar heating system, is compared with the capital cost of the system. Government policy options regarding the use of a tax credit as an incentive for installing solar heating systems is discussed.
Original languageEnglish
StatePublished - 1976
Event1976 Joint Conference Held by the American Section of the International Solar Energy Society and the Solar Energy Society of Canada - Winnipeg, Manit, Can
Duration: Aug 15 1976Aug 20 1976

Conference

Conference1976 Joint Conference Held by the American Section of the International Solar Energy Society and the Solar Energy Society of Canada
CityWinnipeg, Manit, Can
Period8/15/768/20/76

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • General Engineering

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