Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Carrboro, NC: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Carrboro, NC at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.9/10 7/10 4.6/10 7.2/10 5.6/10
Not Bad 40% daily 4 inches monthly 4.8 on average 0.12/kw

Overview

Are you a resident of Carrboro, North Carolina looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be a smart financial decision for you. By analyzing weather data specific to Carrboro and breaking down the cost of a solar system, we will show you how much money you could potentially save over time and how quickly you could recoup your investment. Let’s explore the financial benefits of going solar in Carrboro.

Carrboro North Carolina Weather Trends

Carrboro Precipitation

Living in Carrboro, North Carolina, you experience 52.64 inches of precipitation annually, which is slightly below the national average of 50.61 inches. Compared to the rest of North Carolina, Carrboro receives less precipitation as well, with the state average being 65.54 inches. This means that Carrboro’s slightly lower precipitation levels can be advantageous when considering solar panel installation.

Carrboro’s UV Rating

With an average UV rating of 4.78, Carrboro ranks higher than both the national average of 4.29 and the North Carolina average of 4.72. Additionally, Carrboro’s average max UV rating of 5.2 also exceeds both the national average of 4.61 and the North Carolina average of 5.06. This higher UV rating means that Carrboro receives ample sunlight, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation.

Carrboro’s Cloud Cover

On average, Carrboro experiences 40% cloud cover, which is lower than both the national average of 44.46% and the North Carolina average of 42.57%. With a significant number of days having clear skies or minimal cloud cover, Carrboro offers optimal conditions for solar energy generation. This lower cloud cover percentage makes it easier for solar panels to harness sunlight efficiently.

Carrboro North Carolina Electricity Costs

Residents of Carrboro pay approximately $0.12/kWh for electricity, which is on par with the North Carolina average but slightly lower than the national average of $0.13/kWh. This means that by investing in solar panels, Carrboro residents can potentially save money on their electricity bills in the long run while also reducing their carbon footprint.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Carrboro North Carolina?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Carrboro 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:

  • Carrboro gets slightly more rain than the national average, but it’s still a good area for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Carrboro are higher than the national average, making it a great place for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Carrboro is lower than the national average, providing more sunlight for solar panels.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Carrboro pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, making solar power even more cost-effective.

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.
  • With Carrboro’s lower electricity rates, the savings will add up over time.

After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. After this period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Furthermore, since solar panels last for many years, you will continue to enjoy these savings for a long time. Investing in solar panels is a smart financial decision that also benefits the environment!

Investing in solar power in Carrboro North Carolina

After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Carrboro, North Carolina, it is evident that installing solar panels can be a financially advantageous decision. With slightly lower precipitation, higher UV ratings, and less cloud cover than national averages, Carrboro provides optimal conditions for solar energy generation. Additionally, residents pay slightly lower electricity costs compared to the national average, making the investment in solar panels even more attractive. Based on the data, it is estimated that it would take around 5 years to recoup the initial cost of a solar installation in Carrboro. This means that residents can enjoy significant savings on their electricity bills and contribute to a cleaner environment for many years to come. Choosing to go solar in Carrboro is not only a smart financial move but also a sustainable one!