Overview
In Bessemer, Alabama, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we can estimate how long it will take to break even on the cost of a solar system. With ample sunshine and low precipitation, residents can take advantage of the renewable energy source to offset their electricity costs and potentially even earn money back from excess energy produced. Let’s dive into the numbers and see how going solar can benefit your wallet in Bessemer.
Bessemer Alabama Weather Trends
Bessemer Precipitation
Despite receiving 62.84 inches of precipitation in the last year, Bessemer falls below the national average, placing in the 76th percentile. Compared to the rest of Alabama, Bessemer is in a better position, ranking in the 36th percentile. This means that even with some rain, there are still plenty of sunny days to harness solar energy efficiently.
Bessemer’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 5.2, Bessemer is well above the national average and even surpasses the state average, putting it in the 83rd percentile in the nation. Additionally, the average max UV rating of 5.63 further highlights the ample sunlight in Bessemer, making it an ideal location for solar energy production. By harnessing this abundant sunlight, residents can significantly reduce their electricity bills.
Bessemer’s Cloud Cover
Having an average of 44% cloud cover, Bessemer sits right at the national average, which is favorable for solar panel efficiency. Compared to the rest of Alabama, Bessemer is in the 81st percentile, indicating fewer cloudy days. With over 112 days of low cloud cover, residents have numerous opportunities to generate solar energy and reap the financial benefits.
Bessemer Alabama Electricity Costs
At a rate of $0.12/kw, Bessemer residents are already paying less for electricity compared to the national average. Being in the 41st percentile in Alabama, the cost of electricity in Bessemer is relatively low. By installing solar panels, residents can further offset these costs and potentially earn money back by producing excess energy. The initial investment in solar energy can lead to substantial long-term savings for Bessemer homeowners.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Bessemer Alabama?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Bessemer, Alabama, 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:
- Bessemer receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has ample sunlight for solar panels to function effectively.
- The UV ratings in Bessemer are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Bessemer is slightly below the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Bessemer pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which can impact the savings from using solar power.
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 amount needed from the grid and resulting in savings on electricity bills.
- Given the lower electricity rates in Bessemer, the savings may be slightly lower compared to other locations.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it could take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Bessemer, Alabama. This means that after 6-7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Moreover, considering the long lifespan of solar panels, the savings can continue for many years beyond that initial period. Investing in solar power not only helps save money but also contributes to a cleaner environment in the long run.
Investing in solar power in Bessemer Alabama
Installing solar panels in Bessemer, Alabama can be a wise financial decision. With ample sunshine and relatively low precipitation, residents have the perfect conditions to generate solar energy efficiently and offset their electricity costs. By taking advantage of the abundant sunlight and the already low electricity rates in Bessemer, homeowners can expect to break even on their solar panel investment in approximately 6-7 years. Not only does going solar benefit your wallet, but it also contributes to a cleaner environment for future generations. Making the switch to solar power in Bessemer is a win-win situation for homeowners and the planet.