Overview
In Alexandria, Tennessee, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings over time. By analyzing weather data such as inches of precipitation, average max UV rating, average UV rating, and average percentage cloud cover over 365 days, along with basic electricity costs, we can estimate the cost of a solar system and how long it will take to break even. This article will highlight the financial benefits of going solar in Alexandria, making it a smart investment for residents looking to save money on their energy bills.
Alexandria Tennessee Weather Trends
Alexandria Precipitation
With 56.87 inches of precipitation in the last year, Alexandria, Tennessee falls in the 63rd percentile nationally and the 48th percentile within Tennessee. Comparing this to the national average of 50.61 inches and Tennessee’s average of 58.16 inches, Alexandria’s slightly higher rainfall makes it a great location for harnessing solar energy. Additionally, the ample rainfall can help keep solar panels clean, ensuring optimal performance and maximizing savings.
Alexandria’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 4.61, Alexandria, Tennessee ranks in the 68th percentile nationally and the 46th percentile within Tennessee. Compared to the national average of 4.29 and Tennessee’s average of 4.65, Alexandria enjoys higher UV exposure, which is essential for efficient energy generation through solar panels. The higher UV rating in Alexandria means that residents can benefit from increased energy production and potentially shorter payback periods for their solar investment.
Alexandria’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 45% cloud cover in the last year, Alexandria, Tennessee falls in the 54th percentile nationally and the 73rd percentile within Tennessee. Comparing this to the national average of 44.46% and Tennessee’s average of 43.78%, Alexandria experiences moderate cloud cover levels, which are conducive to solar energy generation. The distribution of cloud cover throughout the year allows for consistent solar output, ensuring residents can rely on their solar panels for substantial energy savings.
Alexandria Tennessee Electricity Costs
Residents of Alexandria, Tennessee pay approximately $0.11/kw for electricity, positioning the city in the 20th percentile nationally and the 15th percentile within Tennessee. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while Tennessee’s average is also $0.11/kw. With relatively low electricity costs in Alexandria and the potential for significant savings through solar energy, investing in solar panels can offer residents a long-term solution to reduce their energy expenses and contribute to a greener environment.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Alexandria Tennessee?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Alexandria, Tennessee, 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:
- Alexandria receives slightly more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunny days for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Alexandria are higher than the national average, which is great for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Alexandria is around the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Alexandria pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which is beneficial for considering solar panels.
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, which means less electricity needs to be purchased from the grid.
- With Alexandria’s lower electricity rates, the savings from using solar power will be slightly lower compared to regions with higher rates.
After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take around 7 to 8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7 to 8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and make up for the investment. And, considering that solar panels last for a long time, you will continue to enjoy those savings for many years ahead. It’s a wise investment that not only saves money but also benefits the environment by using clean energy sources.
Investing in solar power in Alexandria Tennessee
Installing solar panels in Alexandria, Tennessee is a wise investment for residents looking to save money on their energy bills. With higher than average UV exposure, moderate cloud cover, and relatively low electricity costs, Alexandria provides an ideal environment for harnessing solar energy. By analyzing the financial benefits of solar panels in Alexandria, it is evident that the initial cost of installation can be recouped in approximately 7 to 8 years, leading to long-term savings for homeowners. Overall, going solar in Alexandria is not only a smart financial decision but also a sustainable choice that contributes to a greener environment.