Overview
Are you a resident of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been searching for. By analyzing weather data specific to Wilkes Barre, along with basic electricity costs, we will demonstrate the financial benefits of switching to solar power. We will break down the cost of a solar system, estimate how long it will take to break even, and show you how much money you could save in the long run. So, keep reading to see how going solar can benefit your wallet!
Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania Weather Trends
Wilkes Barre Precipitation
With Wilkes Barre receiving 66.68 inches of precipitation in the last year, it’s clear that the area sees its fair share of rain. However, compared to the rest of the country, Wilkes Barre ranks in the 83rd percentile, meaning there are areas in the U.S. that receive even more rainfall. In Pennsylvania, Wilkes Barre falls in the 82nd percentile, showing that the state as a whole experiences comparable precipitation levels. By harnessing this abundant resource, residents can utilize solar panels to generate energy even on cloudy days.
Wilkes Barre’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 3.46 and a max UV rating of 3.73 in the last year, Wilkes Barre’s sun exposure may not be the highest in the nation, but it’s certainly sufficient for solar energy production. Compared to the rest of the country, Wilkes Barre ranks in the 17th and 23rd percentile for UV ratings, indicating that there are sunnier regions in the U.S. In Pennsylvania, the city falls in the 26th percentile for both averages, showing that the state has a moderate amount of sunlight for solar panel efficiency.
Wilkes Barre’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 56% cloud cover in Wilkes Barre over the last year, residents may wonder if solar panels can still be effective in such conditions. However, compared to the national average of 44.46%, Wilkes Barre falls in the 90th percentile for cloud cover, suggesting that the area is still suitable for solar power generation. Pennsylvania as a whole has an average cloud cover of 51.8%, putting Wilkes Barre in a slightly cloudier region. Despite this, there are still plenty of days with clear skies for solar panels to produce energy efficiently.
Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania Electricity Costs
Wilkes Barre residents pay around $0.12/kw for electricity, making it an affordable option for homeowners looking to switch to solar power. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw, Wilkes Barre is actually below the average cost, making solar energy even more financially appealing. In Pennsylvania, the state average matches the national average, but Wilkes Barre is still below both, putting it in a more cost-effective position for residents to invest in solar panels and save money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania, let’s break down the investment in solar panels and see how long it would take to make up the initial cost.
First, let’s look at the weather data:
- Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania receives slightly more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania is slightly higher than the national average, with variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average.
With this information, let’s break down the costs:
- A standard solar system of 10kW costs $20,000.
- This system is expected to last between 25 and 30 years.
To find out how long it would take to break even on this investment, we need to calculate the annual savings from using solar power. Here’s how:
- The system generates electricity, reducing the need to purchase from the grid.
- Given Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania’s lower electricity rates, the savings will be slightly lower compared to other areas.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start making up for the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many more years. It’s a wise decision to save money and contribute to environmental conservation simultaneously!
Investing in solar power in Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania
Switching to solar power in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania can be a smart financial decision for residents looking to save money on their electricity bills. By analyzing the weather trends specific to the area and considering the affordable electricity costs, it is evident that investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings. Despite slightly higher precipitation and cloud cover levels, Wilkes Barre still receives enough sunlight for efficient energy production. With the break-even point for a solar installation estimated at around 7 years, residents can enjoy years of savings and environmental benefits by making the switch to solar energy.