Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Bristol, PA: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Bristol, PA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.9/10 4.2/10 3.6/10 5.2/10 6.7/10
Not Bad 46% daily 5 inches monthly 4.1 on average 0.13/kw

Overview

Are you a Bristol Pennsylvania resident looking to save some money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the answer you’ve been looking for! In this article, we’ll break down the financial benefits of going solar in Bristol, using weather data and electricity costs specific to the area. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how much a solar system would cost, how long it would take to break even, and how much money you could potentially save in the long run.

Bristol Pennsylvania Weather Trends

Bristol Precipitation

With Bristol Pennsylvania receiving 56.95 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the area has its fair share of rainy days. However, compared to the rest of the nation, Bristol falls slightly above the national average of 50.61 inches. When looking at Pennsylvania specifically, Bristol comes in below the state average of 59.53 inches. By harnessing the power of the sun through solar panels, residents can take advantage of this rainfall to generate clean energy for their homes.

Bristol’s UV Rating

Considering Bristol Pennsylvania’s average UV rating of 4.15 in the last year, residents in the area experience a moderate amount of sun exposure. While this places Bristol in the middle range compared to the nation’s average UV rating of 4.29, it ranks higher than the state average of 3.82. With an average max UV rating of 4.5, Bristol’s sunny days can be utilized to produce solar energy efficiently. Installing solar panels can help homeowners capitalize on these sunny conditions and reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources.

Bristol’s Cloud Cover

Despite having an average of 46% cloud cover in the last year, Bristol Pennsylvania still experiences a considerable amount of sunlight. Compared to the national average of 44.46%, Bristol’s cloud cover is slightly higher but remains lower than Pennsylvania’s average of 51.8%. With a variety of cloud cover days throughout the year, Bristol residents can benefit from installing solar panels to capture sunlight even on partly cloudy days. By harnessing this available solar energy, homeowners can decrease their carbon footprint and save money on electricity.

Bristol Pennsylvania Electricity Costs

With Bristol Pennsylvania residents paying around $0.13/kw for electricity, the area falls in line with the national average. In comparison to the rest of Pennsylvania, Bristol’s electricity costs are slightly lower than the state average of $0.13/kw. By transitioning to solar energy, residents can take control of their electricity expenses and reduce their reliance on the grid. With solar panels, homeowners can generate their own clean energy, leading to savings in the long run and a more sustainable way of living.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Bristol Pennsylvania?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Bristol Pennsylvania, 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:

  • Bristol Pennsylvania gets more rain than the national average, which can impact the efficiency of solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Bristol Pennsylvania are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Bristol Pennsylvania is slightly higher than the national average with varying percentages throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Bristol Pennsylvania pay an average of $0.13/kw for electricity, in line with 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 need to buy from the grid which saves money.
  • Given the electricity rates in Bristol Pennsylvania, the savings from solar power can be significant.

After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7-8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, with solar panels lasting up to 30 years, there will be many more years of savings ahead. Investing in solar panels not only helps save money but also contributes to a cleaner environment.

Investing in solar power in Bristol Pennsylvania

When considering the financial benefits of installing solar panels in Bristol Pennsylvania, it is evident that the investment can lead to significant savings in the long run. With the area receiving a good amount of sunlight despite having some rainy and cloudy days, residents can harness solar energy efficiently. Pairing this with electricity costs in line with the national average, the break-even point for a 10kW system would be around 7-8 years. By taking the plunge into solar power, Bristol residents can not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable way of living for years to come.