Overview
Are you a resident of Southeastern Pennsylvania looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be a smart financial decision. By analyzing weather data specific to the region, we can show you how much you can expect to save on electricity costs throughout the year. With average sunshine levels and relatively low cloud cover, Southeastern Pennsylvania is an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. We will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even, making the case for why investing in solar panels could benefit your wallet in the long run.
Southeastern Pennsylvania Weather Trends
Southeastern Precipitation
With 63.26 inches of precipitation in the last year, Southeastern Pennsylvania is in the 77th percentile in the nation and the 74th percentile in Pennsylvania. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Pennsylvania’s average of 59.53 inches, Southeastern receives more rainfall. Having higher precipitation levels means that solar panels can efficiently generate electricity even on cloudy days, ensuring a reliable source of energy.
Southeastern’s UV Rating
In the last year, Southeastern Pennsylvania had an average UV rating of 3.93, placing it in the 42nd percentile in the nation and the 79th percentile in Pennsylvania. While the national average is 4.29 and Pennsylvania’s average is 3.82, Southeastern still receives a sufficient amount of sunlight for solar energy production. With an average max UV rating of 4.22, Southeastern residents can maximize their solar energy generation potential.
Southeastern’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 46% cloud cover in the last year, Southeastern Pennsylvania is in the 58th percentile in the nation and the 15th percentile in Pennsylvania. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and Pennsylvania’s average of 51.8%, Southeastern experiences relatively low cloud cover. This means that solar panels in Southeastern have more access to sunlight throughout the year, leading to increased energy production and savings on electricity bills.
Southeastern Pennsylvania Electricity Costs
Residents in Southeastern Pennsylvania pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, positioning them in the 67th percentile in the nation and the 36th percentile in Pennsylvania. While the national average for residential electricity is also $0.13/kw, Pennsylvania’s average matches Southeastern’s. By investing in solar panels, homeowners in Southeastern can take advantage of the region’s favorable climate conditions to reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources and decrease their electricity costs over time.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Southeastern Pennsylvania?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Southeastern 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:
- Southeastern Pennsylvania gets more precipitation than the national average, but it still receives enough sunlight for solar panels to operate effectively.
- The UV ratings in Southeastern Pennsylvania are a bit lower than the national average, but they are sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Southeastern Pennsylvania is around the national average, with varying degrees throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Southeastern Pennsylvania pay an average price of $0.13/kw for electricity, matching 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 amount needed from the grid and resulting in cost savings.
- Given Southeastern Pennsylvania’s average electricity rates, the savings from solar power are significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take roughly 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. Therefore, after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, considering the long lifespan of solar panels, those savings will continue for many years beyond the initial period. Investing in solar panels not only saves money but also contributes to environmental sustainability.
Investing in solar power in Southeastern Pennsylvania
Investing in solar panels in Southeastern Pennsylvania can be a wise financial decision. With favorable weather conditions for solar energy production and relatively low electricity costs, homeowners can expect to break even on their investment in about 6 years. After that initial period, the savings on electricity bills will continue to accumulate, providing a long-term benefit to both your wallet and the environment. By harnessing the power of the sun, you can not only save money but also reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources, making a positive impact on your finances and the planet.