Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Cincinnati, OH: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Cincinnati, OH at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.5/10 3.7/10 5.3/10 5.4/10 3.1/10
Not Bad 47% daily 4 inches monthly 4.2 on average 0.11/kw

Overview

Are you a Cincinnati Ohio resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home can help you do just that! In this article, we will break down the financial benefits of switching to solar energy in Cincinnati, using weather data and electricity costs specific to the area. By taking a closer look at the cost of a solar system and estimating the time it will take to break even, you can see how making the switch to solar power can be a wise investment for your home.

Cincinnati Ohio Weather Trends

Cincinnati Precipitation

With 49.44 inches of precipitation in the last year, Cincinnati falls in the 47th percentile nationally and the 45th percentile within Ohio. While the national average is slightly higher at 50.61 inches, Ohio’s average surpasses it at 51.17 inches. However, this moderate level of precipitation can still benefit solar panel efficiency, helping keep them clean and operating optimally throughout the year.

Cincinnati’s UV Rating

Cincinnati’s average UV rating of 4.2 places it in the 54th percentile nationally but surprisingly in the 96th percentile within Ohio. Comparatively, the national average is slightly higher at 4.29, while Ohio’s average lags behind at 3.84. With an average max UV rating of 4.56, Cincinnati has great potential for harnessing solar energy efficiently.

Cincinnati’s Cloud Cover

At an average of 47% cloud cover, Cincinnati ranks in the 63rd percentile nationally but only the 3rd percentile within Ohio. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while Ohio’s average is slightly higher at 51.13%. With a significant number of clear days, Cincinnati offers ample sunlight for solar panels to generate electricity consistently.

Cincinnati Ohio Electricity Costs

Residents in Cincinnati pay about $0.11/kw for electricity, positioning the city in the 31st percentile nationally and the 5th percentile within Ohio. Comparing this to the national average of $0.13/kw and Ohio’s average of $0.12/kw, Cincinnati residents enjoy relatively low electricity costs, making the investment in solar panels even more financially appealing.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Cincinnati Ohio?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Cincinnati, Ohio, 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:

  • Cincinnati receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it suitable for solar panels to work effectively.
  • The UV ratings in Cincinnati are close to the national average, indicating good conditions for generating solar power.
  • The cloud cover in Cincinnati is slightly higher than the national average, with different levels throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Cincinnati pay a bit less for electricity compared to the national average, which can affect the savings from using solar power.

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.
  • Considering Cincinnati’s lower electricity rates, the savings may be slightly lower but still significant.

After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 4 to 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, these savings can continue for many years after the initial investment is recouped. Investing in solar panels is a wise choice both financially and environmentally, benefiting both your wallet and the planet.

Investing in solar power in Cincinnati Ohio

Switching to solar energy in Cincinnati, Ohio can be a smart financial decision for residents looking to save money on electricity bills. With moderate precipitation levels, favorable UV ratings, and ample sunlight due to low cloud cover, solar panels in Cincinnati have great potential to generate electricity efficiently. Additionally, with relatively low electricity costs in the city, the investment in solar panels becomes even more appealing. By estimating the time it would take to break even on the initial cost of a solar system, residents can see the long-term financial benefits of making the switch to solar power. Overall, investing in solar panels is not only a wise financial choice but also a positive step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.