Overview
Are you a Southampton resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the answer you’ve been looking for. By analyzing weather data specific to Southampton, New Jersey, as well as basic electricity costs, we will show you how a solar system can help you break even on your investment in a reasonable amount of time. With the financial benefits of solar power in mind, let us guide you through the process of deciding whether solar panels are right for you.
Southampton New Jersey Weather Trends
Southampton Precipitation
With 49.89 inches of precipitation in the last year, Southampton falls below both the national and state averages. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, and the New Jersey average of 65.31 inches, Southampton’s lower precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar panel installation, as less rain can mean more days of sunlight to generate clean energy.
Southampton’s UV Rating
Southampton’s average UV rating of 3.01 places it in the 3rd percentile nationally and the 0th percentile in New Jersey. With a lower UV rating than both the national average of 4.29 and the state average of 4.04, Southampton may not receive as much direct sunlight. However, even with lower UV levels, solar panels can still be a cost-effective option for generating electricity.
Southampton’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average cloud cover of 58%, placing it in the 94th percentile nationwide and the 99th percentile in New Jersey, Southampton can still benefit from solar panel installation. While the high cloud cover may impact the amount of sunlight available, advancements in solar technology allow for energy production even on cloudy days. With the right setup, solar panels can still provide significant savings on electricity bills.
Southampton New Jersey Electricity Costs
At $0.16/kw, electricity costs in Southampton are higher than the national average of $0.13/kw, but on par with the New Jersey average of $0.16/kw. By installing solar panels, residents can reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources and take advantage of the abundant sunlight Southampton receives. Over time, this can lead to significant savings on electricity bills, making solar power a smart financial investment for homeowners.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Southampton New Jersey?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Southampton New Jersey, 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:
- Southampton New Jersey gets slightly less rain than the national average, which is good for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Southampton New Jersey are lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Southampton New Jersey is higher than the national average, indicating some variability in sunlight exposure.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Southampton New Jersey pay more 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 amount needed from the grid, especially significant in an area with higher electricity costs.
After considering all factors, it might take approximately 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Southampton New Jersey. Once this initial period is over, the savings from using solar power will continue to accumulate for many years to come, making it a wise investment choice in the long run.
Investing in solar power in Southampton New Jersey
Considering the weather data specific to Southampton, New Jersey, and the electricity costs in the area, installing solar panels can be a beneficial investment for residents looking to save money on their electricity bills. Despite lower precipitation levels and UV ratings, as well as high cloud cover, solar panel technology has advanced enough to still provide substantial savings. With higher-than-average electricity costs in Southampton, residents can break even on their solar panel investment in approximately 7-8 years. Beyond this initial period, the savings from using solar power will continue to accumulate, making solar panels a smart financial choice for homeowners in Southampton.