Overview
In Benwood, West Virginia, installing solar panels on your home can be a smart financial decision. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we can show you how much money you can save over time by switching to solar energy. With the right system, you could break even on your investment sooner than you might think, making solar panels a worthwhile long-term investment for your home.
Benwood West Virginia Weather Trends
Benwood Precipitation
With Benwood, West Virginia receiving 51.29 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is evident that the area experiences a fair amount of rain. Compared to the rest of the country, Benwood falls into the 51st percentile, while within West Virginia, it ranks at the 19th percentile. Despite receiving slightly less rainfall compared to the state average of 57.58 inches, Benwood’s precipitation levels are relatively close to the national average of 50.61 inches.
Benwood’s UV Rating
Benwood, West Virginia had an average UV rating of 3.81 in the last year, making it fall in the 36th percentile nationwide and the 30th percentile within the state. Although slightly lower than the national average of 4.29, Benwood’s UV rating is close to the West Virginia average of 4.01. The average max UV rating of 4.2 in Benwood also falls within the national and state averages, indicating moderate sun exposure throughout the year.
Benwood’s Cloud Cover
Benwood, West Virginia experienced an average cloud cover of 55% in the last year, ranking the area in the 87th percentile nationally and the 89th percentile within the state. Although cloudier than the national and state averages of 44.46% and 51.1% respectively, Benwood still sees a fair share of sunny days. With varying levels of cloud cover throughout the year, residents can expect a mix of sunny and cloudy days.
Benwood West Virginia Electricity Costs
Residents of Benwood, West Virginia pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, placing the area in the 75th percentile nationwide and the highest percentile within the state. Despite the national average being the same, the state average for residential electricity costs is slightly lower at $0.12/kw. This makes switching to solar panels in Benwood a financially wise decision in the long run, given the potential savings on electricity bills.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Benwood West Virginia?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Benwood, 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:
- Benwood, West Virginia, receives slightly more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunshine for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Benwood are a bit lower than the national average, but they are still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Benwood is a bit higher than the national average, with variations throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Benwood, West Virginia, pay the national average for residential 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 system generates electricity, reducing the amount needed from the grid.
- With the average electricity costs in Benwood, the savings from using solar power are significant.
After analyzing the data, it seems 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 offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar panels is a wise decision for both saving money and contributing to environmental sustainability.
Investing in solar power in Benwood West Virginia
Installing solar panels in Benwood, West Virginia can be a smart financial decision. By analyzing the weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, it is evident that switching to solar energy can result in significant long-term savings on electricity bills. With enough sunshine for solar panels to work effectively, residents can expect to break even on their investment in around 6 years. Beyond that, the savings will continue for many more years, making solar panels a worthwhile investment for your home in Benwood.