Overview
Thinking about installing solar panels on your Pittsburgh home? You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the potential financial benefits. By analyzing weather data specific to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, along with basic electricity costs, we can estimate the cost of a solar system and calculate how long it will take to break even. With the abundant sunshine and relatively low precipitation in Pittsburgh, solar panels can provide substantial savings on your electricity bill over time.
Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Weather Trends
Pittsburgh Precipitation
In the last year, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania received 52.73 inches of precipitation, ranking it in the 54th percentile in the nation and the 21st percentile in Pennsylvania. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Pennsylvania’s average of 59.53 inches, Pittsburgh experiences a moderate amount of precipitation. Despite this, the city still receives enough sunlight to make solar panels a viable option for energy savings.
Pittsburgh’s UV Rating
In the last year, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania had an average UV rating of 3.85, placing it in the 38th percentile in the nation and the 71st percentile in Pennsylvania. While the city may not have the highest UV ratings, the abundant sunshine still provides a decent amount of solar energy. With an average max UV rating of 4.21, Pittsburgh residents can benefit from harnessing solar power for their homes.
Pittsburgh’s Cloud Cover
On average, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania had 52% cloud cover in the last year, ranking it in the 80th percentile in the nation and the 45th percentile in Pennsylvania. While the city may experience some cloudy days, there are still plenty of opportunities to generate solar energy. With a mix of clear and cloudy days throughout the year, solar panels can still be efficient in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Electricity Costs
Pittsburgh residents pay about $0.16/kw for electricity, making it one of the higher costs in the nation and the highest in Pennsylvania. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw and Pennsylvania’s average of $0.13/kw, Pittsburgh residents can benefit significantly from switching to solar power. By investing in solar panels, homeowners in Pittsburgh can save money on their electricity bills in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Pittsburgh, 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:
- Pittsburgh gets slightly more rain than the national average, but it still receives a decent amount of sunlight for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Pittsburgh are a bit lower than the national average, but they are still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Pittsburgh is slightly higher than the national average, with variability throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Pittsburgh pay slightly 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 need to purchase from the grid.
- Due to Pittsburgh’s higher electricity rates, the savings are even more significant.
After analyzing the figures, it appears that it would take around 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5-6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and offset the investment. Furthermore, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years after that initial period. Investing in solar panels is a wise financial decision that not only saves money but also contributes to environmental conservation.
Investing in solar power in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
Considering the weather conditions in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, along with the higher electricity costs, investing in solar panels for your home is a smart financial decision. With moderate precipitation, sufficient sunlight, and some cloudy days, solar panels can still generate substantial savings on your electricity bill over time. By analyzing the data, it is estimated that it would take around 5-6 years to break even on the initial cost of the solar panels, after which the savings will continue for years to come. Making the switch to solar power not only benefits your wallet but also contributes to environmental conservation in the long run.