Bunuel wrote:
A family is looking into purchasing and installing solar panels at their home in order to apply an alternative energy resource and thus reduce their energy bills. The solar panels store up sunlight each day and convert it to energy for the home, with the more sunlight absorbed creating a surplus of energy for the home and offsetting energy bills. At present, however, the cost of investing in solar panels is comparatively greater than the return investment in decreased energy bills. Because of the expense that is required to produce and market the solar panels, the initial cost can sometimes take more than a decade to realize in energy cost advantage. The family is still planning on investing in the solar panels, however, believing that they will see a return fairly quickly.
Based on the information contained within the passage, which of the following, if true, most supports the decision by the family to invest in solar panels?
(A) The government is now offering incentives to homeowners who invest in solar panels.
(B) Coal is believed to be the most inexpensive source of energy, and producers expect to see a drop in coal prices soon.
(C) Silicon is a chief proponent of solar panels for many manufacturers, and silicon production is expected to rise considerably within the next few months.
(D) With the sharp rise in energy costs, consumer demand for solar panels has increased quickly, with several new manufacturers to begin production soon.
(E) The family lives in Southern California, where they receive a large amount of sunlight each day.
OFFICIAL EXPLANATION
Overview: In this question, the student is presented with a scenario in which a family is considering the purchase of solar panels, which are very high in cost. The passage explains the value of having solar panels: they store up sunlight and convert it to energy, thus reducing the cost of energy bills. Unfortunately, the cost of solar panels can be prohibitive, and it can take years to see a return on the investment. The family has decided, however, to invest in the solar panels in the belief that they will see a return quickly enough to make the cost of the panels worthwhile. The question then asks the student to select an answer choice that best explains the family’s decision within the context of the information in the passage.
The Correct Answer:E There are several details in the passage that point to answer choice (E) as the correct answer. For one, the passage notes that the solar panels store up sunlight, and the more sunlight that is stored, the more energy is saved for the purpose of reducing the cost of energy bills. Additionally, the family believes that it will see a rather quick return on the investment of the solar panels. This should immediately point to location as a significant factor. If solar panels need more sunlight to help with the cost of energy bills, and the family is convinced that the investment will be worthwhile, it stands to reason that they live in a place where they will receive enough sunlight to make the solar panels a good investment. Answer choice (E) offers this explanation, so it is correct. Note: Again, this is a fairly simple question, so the student should not step into the trap of thinking too hard about it. The most obvious explanation is the correct one in this case, and the problems with the other answer choices will demonstrate this.
The Incorrect Answers:A Answer choice (A) seems promising at first glance but not upon closer inspection. The family believes that it will see a return on the investment fairly quickly. This suggests that something significant will make the purchase of solar panels worthwhile. Answer choice (A) merely says that the government is offering incentives. There is no information about the type of incentives or the value of them in comparison to the solar panels. Without more information, answer choice (A) does not offer enough detail to explain the family’s decision, so it is incorrect.
B In bringing up the mention of coal—which is not discussed or implied in the passage—answer choice (B) has no clear relevance to the passage, so it may be eliminated immediately.
C, D Answer choices (C) and (D) both deal with the supply/demand ratio. In answer choice (C), the increased production of silicon suggests that the production of solar panels is expected to rise in the near future, with the added possibility of reduced cost. That is interesting information, but it has no relevance for the family that is purchasing solar panels now. Answer choice (C) cannot be correct, so it may be eliminated. As for answer choice (D), it too suggests that an increased production of solar panels will reduce the cost over time, but that means nothing for the family that is in the process of purchasing solar panels right now. Answer choice (D) may also be eliminated.
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21 Jul 2021, 08:00
70%
(02:13)
wrong 
