Overview
In Elgin, Pennsylvania, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings over time. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we can estimate how long it will take for a solar system to pay for itself. With ample sunlight and relatively low levels of precipitation and cloud cover throughout the year, Elgin is an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. This article will break down the initial cost of a solar system and show you how much you can save on your electricity bills in the long run.
Elgin Pennsylvania Weather Trends
Elgin Precipitation
In the last year, Elgin, Pennsylvania received 72.11 inches of precipitation. This amount ranks Elgin in the 91st percentile in the country and the 92nd percentile in Pennsylvania. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Pennsylvania’s average of 59.53 inches, Elgin experiences higher levels of precipitation, making it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy.
Elgin’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 3.26, Elgin, Pennsylvania is in the 9th percentile nationally and the 6th percentile in the state. When comparing this to the national average of 4.29 and Pennsylvania’s average of 3.82, it is evident that Elgin receives less intense sunlight. However, even with lower UV ratings, Elgin still receives ample sunlight, making it a viable location for solar panel installation.
In addition, the average max UV rating in Elgin is 3.52, placing it in the 18th percentile nationally and the 13th percentile in Pennsylvania. While Elgin may not experience extremely high UV ratings, it still receives enough sunlight to generate solar energy effectively.
Elgin’s Cloud Cover
Elgin, Pennsylvania had an average of 59% cloud cover in the last year, ranking it in the 95th percentile nationwide and the 92nd percentile in the state. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and Pennsylvania’s average of 51.8%, Elgin experiences higher levels of cloud cover. Despite this, there are still numerous days with various levels of cloud cover, allowing for sufficient solar energy production.
Throughout the year, Elgin had 61 days with clear skies, 76 days with partly cloudy skies, 99 days with mostly cloudy skies, and 128 days with overcast skies. This variety in cloud cover provides a balance that can support effective solar panel operation.
Elgin Pennsylvania Electricity Costs
Residents in Elgin, Pennsylvania pay approximately $0.14 per kilowatt-hour (kw) for electricity. This places Elgin in the 87th percentile nationally and in the state. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while Pennsylvania’s average is also $0.13/kw. By switching to solar energy, Elgin residents can reduce their electricity bills significantly over time, leading to long-term cost savings.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Elgin Pennsylvania?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Elgin 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:
- Elgin Pennsylvania receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Elgin Pennsylvania are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Elgin Pennsylvania is higher than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Elgin Pennsylvania 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 as much from the grid.
- With Elgin Pennsylvania’s slightly higher electricity rates, the savings from using solar power will be greater.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6-7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. It’s a wise financial decision that not only saves money in the long run but also benefits the environment. Plus, with solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, the savings will continue for many more years after breaking even.
Investing in solar power in Elgin Pennsylvania
Installing solar panels in Elgin, Pennsylvania is a wise investment that can lead to significant financial savings over time. By analyzing the weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we have determined that it would take approximately 6-7 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar system. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. With solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, the long-term cost savings and environmental benefits make solar energy an ideal choice for residents in Elgin.