Overview
Are you a resident of Ashton, West Virginia looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the answer you’re looking for. By analyzing weather data specific to Ashton, including precipitation levels, UV ratings, and cloud cover percentages, along with basic electricity costs, we can show you how much you could save over time. We will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even, highlighting the financial benefits of making the switch to solar power.
Ashton West Virginia Weather Trends
Ashton Precipitation
With Ashton, West Virginia receiving 52.77 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls slightly below the national average of 50.61 inches but sits between the 27th and 54th percentiles in West Virginia and the nation, respectively. This means that Ashton residents have a decent amount of rainfall to help keep their solar panels clean and efficient throughout the year.
Ashton’s UV Rating
Ashton, West Virginia boasts an average UV rating of 4.23, higher than both the national average of 4.29 and West Virginia’s average of 4.01. Ranking in the 55th percentile nationwide and the 84th percentile within the state, Ashton receives plenty of sunlight, making it an ideal location for solar energy production with an average max UV rating of 4.63.
Ashton’s Cloud Cover
Ashton, West Virginia has an average cloud cover of 50% in the last year, surpassing both the national average of 44.46% and West Virginia’s average of 51.1%. The varied cloud cover days, ranging from 0% to 100%, provide a good balance of sunny and cloudy days, ensuring consistent solar energy generation for Ashton residents.
Ashton West Virginia Electricity Costs
Residents of Ashton, West Virginia pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, which is in line with the national average but slightly higher than West Virginia’s average of $0.12/kw. By installing solar panels, Ashton residents can generate their own electricity and reduce their reliance on the grid, ultimately saving money on their monthly energy bills in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Ashton West Virginia?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Ashton West Virginia, 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:
- Ashton West Virginia received slightly more rain than the national average, but it’s still a good location for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Ashton West Virginia are slightly lower than the national average, but they’re still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Ashton West Virginia is slightly higher than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Ashton West Virginia pay the national average for electricity.
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 need to buy as much from the grid.
- With the average electricity cost in Ashton West Virginia, the savings are significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 4-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after the initial period, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate, making the investment worthwhile. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years to come. Investing in solar energy is a smart way to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Investing in solar power in Ashton West Virginia
With favorable weather conditions for solar energy production and electricity costs in line with the national average, Ashton, West Virginia residents can expect to break even on a solar panel installation in around 4-6 years. This initial investment will lead to long-term savings on electricity bills and contribute to a cleaner environment. Making the switch to solar power is not only financially beneficial but also environmentally responsible, making it a wise investment for residents of Ashton looking to save money on their electricity bills.