Solar By City

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

Carbondale, PA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
2.5/10 0.5/10 2.2/10 1.2/10 8.6/10
OK 59% daily 5 inches monthly 3.3 on average 0.14/kw

Overview

If you live in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Carbondale, we can show you how much you can save on your energy bills with a solar system. With the right information, you can see a return on your investment in a solar system sooner than you may think. Let’s break down the numbers and show you why solar panels are a smart choice for your home in Carbondale.

Carbondale Pennsylvania Weather Trends

Carbondale Precipitation

With Carbondale receiving 63.92 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the region sees a significant amount of rainfall. Compared to the rest of the country, Carbondale falls in the 78th percentile, and in Pennsylvania, it ranks in the 76th percentile. The national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Pennsylvania’s average is 59.53 inches. This means that Carbondale’s higher precipitation levels make it an excellent candidate for harnessing solar energy.

Carbondale’s UV Rating

Carbondale’s average UV rating of 3.33 places it in the 12th percentile nationally and the 11th percentile within Pennsylvania. In comparison, the national average for UV rating is 4.29, and Pennsylvania’s average is 3.82. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 3.63, Carbondale is in the 21st percentile in the nation and the 19th percentile in Pennsylvania. These UV ratings indicate that Carbondale receives a good amount of UV radiation, ideal for generating solar energy.

Carbondale’s Cloud Cover

Carbondale experienced an average of 59% cloud cover in the last year, placing it in the 95th percentile nationally and the 92nd percentile in Pennsylvania. In contrast, the national average for average cloud cover is 44.46%, and Pennsylvania’s average is 51.8%. The distribution of different cloud cover percentages throughout the year provides an opportunity for consistent solar electricity production in Carbondale.

Carbondale Pennsylvania Electricity Costs

Residential electricity in Carbondale costs about $0.14/kw, putting the city in the 86th percentile nationwide and the 84th percentile within Pennsylvania. Comparatively, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, aligning closely with Pennsylvania’s average as well. With competitive electricity rates in Carbondale, investing in solar panels for your home can lead to substantial cost savings in the long run.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Carbondale, 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:

  • Carbondale gets more precipitation than the national average, which can affect solar panel efficiency.
  • The UV ratings in Carbondale are lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Carbondale is higher than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Carbondale pay slightly more 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 amount needed from the grid.
  • Considering higher electricity rates in Carbondale, the savings can accumulate faster.

After analyzing the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Carbondale. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Given the long lifespan of solar panels, you’ll continue to benefit from these savings for many years thereafter. Investing in solar power is a wise choice for both saving money and promoting environmental sustainability!

Investing in solar power in Carbondale Pennsylvania

With the analysis of weather data and electricity costs specific to Carbondale, Pennsylvania, it is clear that installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings. Despite receiving higher precipitation levels than the national average, Carbondale’s UV ratings and cloud cover make it an excellent candidate for harnessing solar energy. Additionally, with competitive electricity rates in Carbondale, investing in a solar system can result in substantial cost savings over time. Based on the calculations, it would take approximately 6 years to break even on the initial cost of solar panels, making it a smart choice for both saving money and promoting environmental sustainability in Carbondale. By investing in solar power, you can see a return on your investment sooner than you may expect and continue to benefit from savings for many years to come.