Overview
Living in Westerville, Ohio, you may be wondering if installing solar panels on your home is worth the investment. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to our area, we can show you how transitioning to solar power can save you money in the long run. With an average of 195 sunny days a year and electricity rates that continue to rise, switching to solar energy can significantly reduce your monthly utility bills and allow you to break even on the cost of the system in a reasonable amount of time.
Westerville Ohio Weather Trends
Westerville Precipitation
With Westerville, Ohio receiving 52.26 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls in the 53rd percentile in the nation and the 59th percentile in Ohio. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, slightly below what Westerville receives. Although Ohio’s average is slightly higher at 51.17 inches, the difference is not significant enough to deter you from installing solar panels on your home.
Westerville’s UV Rating
Having an average UV rating of 3.83 in the last year, Westerville is in the 37th percentile nationally and the 64th percentile in Ohio. While the national average for UV rating is 4.29, Ohio’s average is at 3.84. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 4.08, Westerville falls in the 34th percentile nationally and the 45th percentile in Ohio. Despite these rankings, the UV ratings are adequate for efficient solar panel operation.
Westerville’s Cloud Cover
Westerville, Ohio experienced an average of 51% cloud cover in the last year, ranking it in the 77th percentile nationally and the 49th percentile in Ohio. Comparing this to the national average of 44.46% and Ohio’s average of 51.13%, it is evident that Westerville has slightly higher cloud cover. However, with a sufficient number of days with lower cloud cover levels, solar panels can still produce significant energy output.
Westerville Ohio Electricity Costs
Residents of Westerville pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, placing the city in the 65th percentile nationally and the 44th percentile in Ohio. While the national average for residential electricity is the same at $0.13/kw, Ohio’s average is slightly lower at $0.12/kw. However, considering the overall benefits of transitioning to solar power and the long-term savings it offers, the slightly higher electricity cost in Westerville should not discourage you from making the switch.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Westerville Ohio?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Westerville Ohio, 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:
- Westerville Ohio gets slightly more precipitation than the national average, but still has enough sunlight for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Westerville Ohio are a bit lower than the national average, but still adequate for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Westerville Ohio is slightly higher than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Westerville Ohio pay about the national average for electricity, which is $0.13/kw.
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 buy electricity from the grid.
- Considering Westerville Ohio’s electricity costs, the savings will be significant.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take approximately 8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and make up for the investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for many years, you will continue to benefit from these savings for a long time. Investing in solar power not only helps you financially but also contributes to a greener environment. It’s a wise choice for your wallet and the planet!
Investing in solar power in Westerville Ohio
With the analysis of weather data and electricity costs specific to Westerville, Ohio, it is clear that transitioning to solar power can be a worthwhile investment for homeowners in the area. Despite slightly higher precipitation and cloud cover than national averages, Westerville still receives enough sunlight for efficient solar panel operation. Additionally, with electricity costs aligning with the national average, the initial cost of installing solar panels can be recouped in approximately 8 years. This means that homeowners can start saving money on their utility bills and enjoy the long-term benefits of solar energy. Not only does solar power provide financial savings, but it also contributes to a greener environment. Making the switch to solar energy in Westerville, Ohio is a smart choice for both your wallet and the planet!