Earth Science: Geology, the Environment, and the Universe

Chapter 26: Energy Resources

Problem of the Week

Solar Energy

For more information on tax incentives and other programs in their states, students could do some research at their state’s Department of Energy, or by searching the Web sites of their local electric companies.

Students should take the total costs after the tax credits from the state and the federal government, and divide it by the yearly savings in fuel costs for heating the building.

$27,728 total cost divided by $7,000 each year = 3.9611 years.

Resources:

1. Glencoe Earth Science: Geology, the Environment, and the Universe, p. 658.
2. North Carolina Solar Center Fact Sheets: Tax Credits for North Carolina