Overview
Are you a Buffalo, New York resident looking to save money on your electricity bills while also helping the environment? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been looking for. In this article, we will break down the financial benefits of investing in a solar system based on weather data specific to Buffalo, New York, including average max UV rating, inches of precipitation, average UV rating, and average percentage cloud cover. By comparing the cost of a solar system to your current electricity expenses, we will estimate how long it will take for you to break even and start saving money.
Buffalo New York Weather Trends
Buffalo Precipitation
With Buffalo, New York receiving 48.04 inches of precipitation last year, which is lower than both the national average of 50.61 inches and New York’s average of 63.5 inches, it presents an opportunity for residents to capitalize on their lower water usage compared to other regions. By installing solar panels to harness the ample sunlight available, Buffalo residents can reduce their environmental impact while saving money in the long run.
Buffalo’s UV Rating
Buffalo’s average UV rating of 3.4 indicates that the city receives a decent amount of sunlight throughout the year. While it may not be as high as the national average of 4.29 or New York’s average of 3.57, it still provides an ideal environment for solar panel installation. With an average max UV rating of 3.58, Buffalo residents can benefit from the sun’s energy to power their homes sustainably and cost-effectively.
Buffalo’s Cloud Cover
Despite Buffalo, New York having an average cloud cover of 57%, which is higher than both the national average of 44.46% and New York’s average of 54.76%, solar energy production can still be optimized. With varying levels of cloud cover throughout the year, residents can benefit from solar panels during clearer days and leverage net metering to store excess energy for cloudier periods, ensuring a consistent and reliable power source.
Buffalo New York Electricity Costs
Buffalo residents pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, which is in line with the national average. Compared to New York’s average of $0.15/kw, Buffalo residents have the opportunity to lower their electricity bills by investing in a solar system. By taking advantage of the city’s weather patterns and cost-effective electricity rates, Buffalo homeowners can make a smart financial decision that benefits both their wallet and the environment.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Buffalo New York?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Buffalo, New York, 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:
- Buffalo gets slightly less rain than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Buffalo are a bit lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Buffalo is a bit higher than the national average, with some variability throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Buffalo pay 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 purchase as much from the grid.
- With Buffalo’s average electricity rates, the savings from using solar power will gradually add up over time.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 5 to 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5 to 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the initial investment. Considering that solar panels last for 25 to 30 years, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years after breaking even. It’s a wise investment that not only saves you money but also contributes to a cleaner environment.
Investing in solar power in Buffalo New York
Installing solar panels in Buffalo, New York can be a wise investment for residents looking to save money on electricity bills and reduce their environmental impact. With favorable weather conditions and electricity rates, homeowners can expect to break even on their initial investment in solar panels within 5 to 6 years. After that, the savings on electricity bills will continue for the lifespan of the solar system, making it a smart financial decision that benefits both individuals and the environment in the long run.