Solar By City

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

Chester, PA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.1/10 5.1/10 3.3/10 5.3/10 6.7/10
Not Bad 44% daily 5 inches monthly 4.2 on average 0.13/kw

Overview

Are you a resident of Chester, Pennsylvania looking to save money on your electricity bills while reducing your carbon footprint? Installing solar panels on your home could be a smart financial decision for you. In this article, we will break down the costs of a solar system, estimate how long it will take to break even, and demonstrate how the weather in Chester, Pennsylvania is ideal for generating solar power. With average annual savings of hundreds of dollars, solar panels could be a wise investment for your home.

Chester Pennsylvania Weather Trends

Chester Precipitation

With Chester, Pennsylvania receiving 58.43 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls in the 67th percentile in the nation and the 49th percentile in Pennsylvania. Comparing this to the national average of 50.61 inches and Pennsylvania’s average of 59.53 inches, Chester’s precipitation levels make it a promising location for solar panel installation.

Chester’s UV Rating

In the last year, Chester, Pennsylvania had an average UV rating of 4.19, placing it in the 53rd percentile in the nation and the 92nd percentile in Pennsylvania. With the national average at 4.29 and Pennsylvania’s average at 3.82, Chester’s UV ratings suggest ample sunlight for efficient solar panel performance, especially considering the average max UV rating of 4.57.

Chester’s Cloud Cover

Despite having an average cloud cover of 44% in the last year, placing it in the 49th percentile in the nation and the 4th percentile in Pennsylvania, Chester, Pennsylvania still proves to be a favorable location for solar panel installation, with numerous clear days. In comparison, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, and Pennsylvania’s average is 51.8%.

Chester Pennsylvania Electricity Costs

Residents of Chester, Pennsylvania pay about $0.13 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, positioning Chester in the 67th percentile in the nation and the 36th percentile in Pennsylvania. While this matches the national and state average of $0.13 per kilowatt-hour, investing in solar panels can provide long-term savings and reduce dependence on traditional electricity sources.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Chester 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:

  • Chester Pennsylvania receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
  • The UV ratings in Chester Pennsylvania are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
  • The cloud cover in Chester Pennsylvania is around the national average, with variations throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Chester Pennsylvania pay the national average for electricity, which is $0.13/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 solar system generates electricity, reducing the need to purchase from the grid.
  • With the electricity costs in Chester Pennsylvania, the savings from solar power are significant.

After calculating the numbers, it appears that it would take around 5 to 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5 to 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for 25 to 30 years, you will continue to enjoy those savings for many more years. Investing in solar panels is a wise choice to save money and contribute to a greener future.

Investing in solar power in Chester Pennsylvania

Considering the weather data and electricity costs in Chester, Pennsylvania, it is clear that investing in solar panels can be a smart financial decision. With ample sunlight for efficient solar panel performance and electricity costs matching the national average, the initial investment in solar panels is expected to pay off in approximately 5 to 6 years. This means that residents of Chester can enjoy long-term savings on their electricity bills while also reducing their carbon footprint. Solar panels are not only a wise investment for your home, but also a step towards a greener future. Make the decision to go solar and start saving money today!