"This study serves' as an introduction to the important economic considerations that are necessary for an assessment of the potential for solar heating and cooling in the United States. The first chapter introduces the technology that is used to tap solar energy for residential and commercial applications and illustrates the potential significance of this energy source on a national scale. A methodology for assessing the economic feasibility cf solar heating and cooling is presented in the second chapter with the results of a study of material, labor, marketing, and engineering costs of solar equipment. The third chapter applies the methodology to a study of the economic feasibility of residential solar heating in 20 cities. The potential for reductions in the cost of solar equipment through mass production and technology improvements, and the effects of increases in conventional fuel prices are included in the feasibility assessments. Finally, national security, environmental and institutional considerations are discussed to place the economic assessment in its proper perspective."--(Author's Abstract on ERIC site).