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

Cary, NC at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.1/10 7/10 3.3/10 7.4/10 2.9/10
Not Bad 41% daily 5 inches monthly 4.8 on average 0.11/kw

Overview

If you are a Cary, North Carolina resident considering solar panels for your home, this article is for you. By analyzing the weather data and basic electricity costs specific to Cary, we will show you how installing a solar system can lead to significant financial benefits over time. We will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take to break even, allowing you to make an informed decision about going solar.

Cary North Carolina Weather Trends

Cary Precipitation

With Cary, North Carolina receiving 58.7 inches of precipitation last year, it is clear that the area sees a fair amount of rain. However, when compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Cary falls above the average. Despite this, Cary still ranks lower than the North Carolina average of 65.54 inches. By harnessing this rainfall, residents can take advantage of solar power to offset their energy costs.

Cary’s UV Rating

Considering Cary’s average UV rating of 4.84, residents are exposed to a decent amount of sunlight throughout the year. This puts Cary above the national average UV rating of 4.29 but slightly below the North Carolina average of 4.72. With an average max UV rating of 5.25, Cary residents have ample opportunity to generate solar energy for their homes, leading to long-term savings on electricity bills.

Cary’s Cloud Cover

On average, Cary, North Carolina experiences 41% cloud cover, suggesting a good amount of sunlight throughout the year. While this puts Cary slightly below the national average of 44.46%, it falls just shy of North Carolina’s average of 42.57%. With a significant number of days with optimal cloud cover, residents can rely on solar panels to produce clean energy and reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources.

Cary North Carolina Electricity Costs

At $0.11 per kilowatt-hour, Cary residents enjoy electricity costs below the national average of $0.13/kw. However, compared to the rest of North Carolina where the average is $0.12/kw, Cary ranks even lower. By investing in solar panels, residents can take advantage of the abundant sunlight in Cary to significantly lower their electricity bills over time, ultimately leading to substantial savings and a reduced carbon footprint.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Cary, 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:

  • Cary gets more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
  • The UV ratings in Cary are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Cary is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Cary pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, at $0.11/kw.

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, which means less need to purchase from the grid.
  • With Cary’s lower electricity rates, the savings are slightly lower compared to the national average.

After analyzing the data, it seems that it would take around 6 to 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Cary. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and compensate for the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years after reaching this break-even point. Investing in solar panels is a practical way to save money and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Investing in solar power in Cary North Carolina

After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to Cary, North Carolina, it is clear that installing solar panels can be a wise financial decision for residents. With a good amount of sunlight, lower than average electricity costs, and a reasonable break-even period of around 6 to 7 years, going solar can lead to significant savings in the long run. By harnessing the power of the sun, Cary residents can not only reduce their electricity bills but also contribute to a sustainable future for the environment. Investing in solar panels is a smart choice for those looking to save money and decrease their carbon footprint.