Overview
Discover how installing solar panels on your Atlantic North Carolina home can save you money in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we will break down the financial benefits of switching to solar energy. Learn how much you can save on your electricity bills and how long it will take to recoup the initial cost of a solar system.
Atlantic North Carolina Weather Trends
Atlantic Precipitation
With Atlantic North Carolina receiving 67.31 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the area gets a fair amount of rain. However, compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Atlantic is in the 84th percentile. This means that despite the high precipitation, there is still plenty of sunlight for solar panels to generate electricity. In comparison, North Carolina’s average precipitation of 65.54 inches is slightly higher than Atlantic.
Atlantic’s UV Rating
On average, Atlantic North Carolina has a UV rating of 5, which is relatively high. This puts Atlantic in the 78th percentile nationally and the 84th percentile in North Carolina. With a higher UV rating, solar panels are more efficient at converting sunlight into electricity. Compared to the national average UV rating of 4.29, Atlantic enjoys a sunnier climate. North Carolina’s average UV rating of 4.72 is slightly lower than Atlantic’s.
Atlantic’s Cloud Cover
Despite the sunny weather in Atlantic North Carolina, the area still experiences an average of 45% cloud cover. This puts Atlantic in the 53rd percentile nationally and the 84th percentile in North Carolina. While cloud cover can impact solar panel efficiency, the majority of days in Atlantic have less than 50% cloud cover. With only 50 days of heavy cloud cover, there are still plenty of sunny days for solar energy production. Compared to the national average of 44.46% cloud cover, Atlantic has slightly more cloud cover. North Carolina’s average cloud cover of 42.57% is lower than Atlantic’s.
Atlantic North Carolina Electricity Costs
Residents of Atlantic North Carolina pay about $0.12/kw for electricity, which is lower than the national average of $0.13/kw. This puts Atlantic in the 45th percentile nationally and the 25th percentile in North Carolina. With relatively low electricity costs, investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings on electricity bills in the long run. Compared to the North Carolina average of $0.12/kw, Atlantic residents are already benefiting from competitive electricity prices.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Atlantic North Carolina?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Atlantic North Carolina, 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:
- Atlantic North Carolina receives more precipitation than the national average, but still has enough sunlight for effective solar panel operation.
- The UV ratings in Atlantic North Carolina are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Atlantic North Carolina is slightly above average, with variations throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Atlantic North Carolina pay slightly less 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 amount needed from the grid.
- Due to lower electricity rates in Atlantic North Carolina, the savings are slightly less compared to the national average.
After analyzing the data, it seems like it would take around 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Atlantic North Carolina. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, considering the long lifespan of solar panels, you will continue to benefit from savings for many more years. Investing in solar panels is not only a smart financial choice but also a sustainable way to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment.
Investing in solar power in Atlantic North Carolina
With the analysis of weather data, electricity costs, and the financial benefits of switching to solar energy in Atlantic North Carolina, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings. Despite slightly above-average cloud cover, the high UV ratings and competitive electricity prices make Atlantic a favorable location for solar energy production. Based on the data, it is estimated that it would take around 6 years to recoup the initial cost of a solar system. This means that not only will you start saving money on electricity bills after that period, but you will also contribute to a more sustainable environment by reducing your carbon footprint. Consider the long-term benefits of solar energy and how it can positively impact both your finances and the planet.