Overview
In North Washington, Pennsylvania, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing a year’s worth of weather data, including precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover, we can determine the potential savings on electricity costs. With a breakdown of the cost of a solar system and an estimation of how long it will take to break even, residents can see the tangible advantages of switching to solar power.
North Washington Pennsylvania Weather Trends
North Washington Precipitation
With North Washington Pennsylvania receiving 58.53 inches of precipitation in the last year, residents may worry about their solar panels not being efficient. However, considering that North Washington is in the 67th percentile nationally and the 50th percentile in Pennsylvania for total precipitation, the impact on solar panel performance is not significant. In comparison, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Pennsylvania’s average is 59.53 inches.
North Washington’s UV Rating
In the last year, North Washington Pennsylvania had an average UV rating of 3.52, positioning it in the 20th percentile nationally and the 31st percentile in Pennsylvania. While this may seem lower, it is still suitable for solar panel efficiency. Comparatively, the national average for average UV rating is 4.29, and Pennsylvania’s average is 3.82. With an average max UV rating of 3.8, North Washington is in a similar position, still providing enough sunlight for effective solar energy production.
North Washington’s Cloud Cover
Despite North Washington Pennsylvania having an average of 55% cloud cover in the last year, placing it in the 89th percentile nationally and the 72nd percentile in Pennsylvania, solar panels can still be a beneficial investment. The national average for average cloud cover is 44.46%, while Pennsylvania’s average is 51.8%. With varying degrees of cloud cover throughout the year, residents can still generate substantial solar energy despite occasional overcast days.
North Washington Pennsylvania Electricity Costs
Compared to the national and state averages, North Washington Pennsylvania residents pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, positioning them in the 68th percentile nationally and the 42nd percentile in Pennsylvania. This rate is on par with the national average, making solar panels a financially viable option for residents looking to save on electricity costs in the long run. With solar energy as a renewable and cost-effective alternative, North Washington residents have the opportunity to lower their electricity bills significantly.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in North Washington Pennsylvania?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in North Washington 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:
- North Washington Pennsylvania receives more rainfall than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in North Washington Pennsylvania are slightly lower than the national average, but are still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in North Washington Pennsylvania is slightly higher than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in North Washington Pennsylvania pay around $0.13 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, which is about 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 solar system generates electricity, reducing the amount purchased from the grid.
- With North Washington Pennsylvania’s average electricity costs, the savings from using solar power can be significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears it would take about 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after that period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to pay off the investment. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings accumulated after the payback period will continue for many more years. Investing in solar panels is a smart way to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment for the long term!
Investing in solar power in North Washington Pennsylvania
With all the data analyzed, it is clear that installing solar panels in North Washington, Pennsylvania can provide significant financial benefits to residents. Despite higher than average precipitation and cloud cover, the UV ratings and electricity costs make solar power a viable and cost-effective option. With an estimated payback period of 7-8 years, residents can enjoy long-term savings on electricity bills while also contributing to a cleaner environment. Switching to solar energy in North Washington is a smart investment for the future!