Economics of energy conservation in commercial greenhouses : microcomputer spreadsheet model

Microcomputer software for capital cost analysis in greenhouse energy management is developed for use by extention workers in agriculture. A "template" for proprietary "spreadsheet" software is created that models greenhouse operation and performs a Net Present Value analysis of the cash flow for the life of up to ten energy saving techniques chosen by the grower. The results are displayed on the screen or printed out. Variables can be altered to suit specific user's needs and to check sensitivity of the model. A survey of local greenhouse growers was done to determine the specifications for the software developed and to verify the accuracy of the model. The resulting program is designed to run under MS-DOS on the IBM personal computer or any other similar microcomputer.Science, Faculty ofResources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES), Institute forGraduat