Overview
Learn how installing solar panels on your home in Arlington, Tennessee can save you money and benefit the environment. By analyzing weather data for the area, we can show you the potential cost savings of harnessing solar energy, along with the estimated time it will take to break even on your investment. With basic electricity costs on the rise, now is the perfect time to consider making the switch to solar power.
Arlington Tennessee Weather Trends
Arlington Precipitation
With Arlington Tennessee receiving 58.36 inches of precipitation in the last year, it’s clear that the area has ample rainfall to contribute to solar power generation. Arlington falls in the 67th percentile in the nation and the 58th percentile in Tennessee for total precipitation, making it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy efficiently. The national and state averages of 50.61 inches and 58.16 inches, respectively, are slightly lower than Arlington’s precipitation levels.
Arlington’s UV Rating
Arlington Tennessee boasts an average UV rating of 4.98 over the past year, placing it in the 78th percentile in the nation and the 95th percentile in Tennessee. The higher UV rating in Arlington compared to the national and state averages of 4.29 and 4.65 indicates a greater potential for efficient solar energy production in the area. Additionally, Arlington’s average max UV rating of 5.36, surpassing the national and state averages, further emphasizes the suitability of the region for harnessing solar power.
Arlington’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 42% in the last year, Arlington Tennessee enjoys relatively clear skies conducive to solar energy generation. Despite falling in the 40th percentile in the nation and the 27th percentile in Tennessee for cloud cover, Arlington still experiences a significant number of days with optimal sunlight for solar panel efficiency. The distribution of cloud cover days in Arlington allows for consistent solar power production throughout the year.
Arlington Tennessee Electricity Costs
Arlington residents pay approximately $0.1/kw for electricity, positioning the area in the 17th percentile nationwide and the 10th percentile within Tennessee. With electricity costs lower than the national average of $0.13/kw and slightly below the state average of $0.11/kw, investing in solar panels in Arlington can lead to substantial savings in the long run. By making the switch to solar power, residents can take advantage of the cost-effective energy alternative while reducing their carbon footprint.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Arlington Tennessee?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Arlington, 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:
- Arlington gets more precipitation than the national average, but still receives enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Arlington are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Arlington is slightly lower than the national average, with variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Arlington pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which is beneficial for cost savings with 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, reducing the amount needed from the grid and saving money on electricity bills.
- With Arlington’s lower electricity rates, the savings with solar panels are still significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will exceed the initial investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for many years, the savings will continue for a long time. Investing in solar panels is a smart financial and environmentally friendly decision for Arlington residents.
Investing in solar power in Arlington Tennessee
Investing in solar panels in Arlington, Tennessee can be a wise decision both financially and environmentally. With ample precipitation, high UV ratings, and relatively low cloud cover, Arlington provides an ideal environment for generating solar power. Additionally, with electricity costs lower than the national average, residents can expect significant savings over time by switching to solar energy. Based on the data presented, it would take around 6 years to break even on the initial investment, after which residents will continue to save money on electricity bills for many more years. Making the switch to solar power in Arlington is not only a cost-effective choice but also a sustainable one for the future.