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Solar and Electricity Data for Buena Vista, VA: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Buena Vista, VA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.8/10 4.7/10 6.2/10 5.9/10 7.4/10
Not Bad 45% daily 4 inches monthly 4.3 on average 0.13/kw

Overview

In sunny Buena Vista Virginia, harnessing the power of solar energy can lead to significant financial savings. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, we will show you how installing solar panels can help you break even and start saving money in no time. Let’s explore the benefits of going solar in Buena Vista.

Buena Vista Virginia Weather Trends

Buena Vista Precipitation

In the last year, Buena Vista Virginia received 45.28 inches of precipitation, placing it in the 38th percentile in the nation and the 7th percentile in Virginia. While this may seem like less rain compared to other places, it is still a significant amount. With the national average at 50.61 inches and Virginia averaging 56.77 inches, Buena Vista’s precipitation levels are enough to effectively generate solar energy.

Buena Vista’s UV Rating

Over the last year, Buena Vista Virginia had an average UV rating of 4.32, ranking in the 59th percentile nationally and the 39th percentile in Virginia. The higher the UV rating, the more sunlight available for solar panel generation. Considering the national average UV rating sits at 4.29 and Virginia’s at 4.41, Buena Vista’s solar potential is well above average.

Buena Vista’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 45% cloud cover in the last year, Buena Vista Virginia ranks in the 53rd percentile nationally and the 74th percentile in Virginia. This level of cloud cover indicates a good amount of sunlight for solar energy production. It is noteworthy that Buena Vista experienced a range of cloud cover days, with ample opportunities for solar panel performance.

Buena Vista Virginia Electricity Costs

Residents of Buena Vista pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, positioning the city in the 74th percentile nationwide and the 84th percentile in Virginia. Even though the cost is on par with the national average, it is higher than Virginia’s average of $0.12/kw. By switching to solar energy, Buena Vista residents can offset these electricity costs and start saving money in the long run.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Buena Vista Virginia?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Buena Vista 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:

  • Buena Vista Virginia receives slightly less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Buena Vista Virginia are slightly higher than the national average, which is great for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Buena Vista Virginia is about average for the country, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Buena Vista 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 need to buy from the grid and saving money on electricity bills.

After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Buena Vista Virginia. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. And with solar panels lasting 25-30 years, the savings will continue for many years to come. It’s a smart financial and environmental decision to invest in solar energy!

Investing in solar power in Buena Vista Virginia

After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Buena Vista Virginia, it is evident that investing in solar panels can lead to substantial financial benefits. With slightly lower precipitation levels, higher UV ratings, and a good amount of sunlight due to cloud cover, Buena Vista is a suitable location for solar energy generation. Additionally, although residents pay the national average for electricity, switching to solar power can offset these costs and start saving money in the long term. Breaking even on a solar installation in Buena Vista Virginia would take approximately 6-7 years, after which the savings on electricity bills will accumulate. By investing in solar energy, residents of Buena Vista can not only save money but also contribute to a cleaner environment. It’s a wise choice to go solar in sunny Buena Vista!