Overview
In Burlington, North Carolina, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings over time. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, it is clear that solar energy is a reliable and cost-effective option for residents. With the average annual weather conditions in Burlington, along with the current electricity rates, we will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to start saving money by making the switch to solar power.
Burlington North Carolina Weather Trends
Burlington Precipitation
In the last year, Burlington, North Carolina received 55.57 inches of precipitation. While this puts Burlington in the 60th percentile nationally, it is below North Carolina’s average of 65.54 inches. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Burlington sees a moderate amount of rainfall, making it a suitable location for harnessing solar energy.
Burlington’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 4.75, Burlington ranks in the 72nd percentile nationally and the 49th percentile in North Carolina. This means that Burlington experiences a good amount of sunlight throughout the year, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation. The average max UV rating of 5.2 in Burlington further demonstrates its potential for solar energy production.
Burlington’s Cloud Cover
In the last year, Burlington had an average cloud cover of 42%, placing it in the 38th percentile nationally and the 62nd percentile in North Carolina. With a relatively low amount of cloud cover compared to the national average of 44.46%, Burlington enjoys many clear days that are optimal for solar energy generation. The distribution of cloud cover throughout the year allows for consistent solar power production.
Burlington North Carolina Electricity Costs
Residents in Burlington, North Carolina pay about $0.1/kw for electricity, which is significantly lower than the national average of $0.13/kw. Compared to the rest of North Carolina, where the average is $0.12/kw, Burlington enjoys some of the lowest electricity costs in the state. By harnessing solar energy, residents can further reduce their electricity bills and take advantage of the abundant sunlight in the area.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Burlington North Carolina?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Burlington, 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:
- Burlington receives slightly more precipitation than the national average, but it still gets enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Burlington are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- The cloud cover in Burlington is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Burlington pay a bit 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 need to purchase as much from the grid.
- With Burlington’s lower electricity rates, the savings may be slightly lower compared to other locations.
After analyzing the data, it seems like it would take around 4-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Burlington. This means, after 4-6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. And don’t forget, solar panels have a long lifespan, so after that initial period, you’ll continue to enjoy the savings for many years. It’s both a financially wise decision and an environmentally friendly one!
Investing in solar power in Burlington North Carolina
Installing solar panels in Burlington, North Carolina is a smart financial decision that can lead to significant savings over time. With ample sunlight, moderate precipitation, and lower than average electricity costs, residents can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels within 4-6 years. Not only will this switch to solar power save money in the long run, but it is also an environmentally friendly choice that can benefit both homeowners and the planet for many years to come.