Overview
Are you a Crab Orchard resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be a cost-effective solution to offsetting high energy costs. In this article, we will explore how solar panels can help you save money over time by analyzing the weather patterns in Crab Orchard, West Virginia, and breaking down the cost of a solar system. With just a bit of upfront investment, you could start seeing savings on electricity bills within a few years.
Crab Orchard West Virginia Weather Trends
Crab Orchard Precipitation
Living in Crab Orchard, WV means experiencing an above-average amount of precipitation throughout the year. With 63.33 inches of precipitation annually, Crab Orchard ranks in the 77th percentile nationwide and the 78th percentile statewide. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and West Virginia’s average of 57.58 inches, it’s clear that Crab Orchard sees more rainfall.
Crab Orchard’s UV Rating
When it comes to UV ratings, Crab Orchard residents can expect moderate levels of sun exposure. With an average UV rating of 3.73, Crab Orchard ranks in the 32nd percentile nationwide and the 18th percentile in West Virginia. While this may be lower than the national average of 4.29 and the state’s average of 4.01, the sun’s rays are still present.
Crab Orchard’s Cloud Cover
Cloud cover in Crab Orchard averages around 54%, placing the town in the 87th percentile nationally and the 86th percentile in West Virginia. With more cloudy days than the national average of 44.46% and the state’s average of 51.1%, Crab Orchard residents have a fair share of overcast days to consider when looking into solar energy as an option. Throughout the year, they can expect a variety of cloud cover percentages.
Crab Orchard West Virginia Electricity Costs
Crab Orchard residents pay about $0.13 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, placing them in the 73rd percentile nationally and the 89th percentile in West Virginia. While this rate is on par with the national average, it exceeds the state average of $0.12/kw. By investing in solar panels, residents can reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources and potentially see significant savings on their energy bills over time.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Crab Orchard West Virginia?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Crab Orchard West Virginia, 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:
- Crab Orchard West Virginia receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Crab Orchard West Virginia are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Crab Orchard West Virginia is higher than the national average, with variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Crab Orchard West Virginia 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 system generates electricity, reducing the amount needed from the grid.
- Due to the national average electricity cost, the savings may not be as significant compared to areas with higher electricity rates.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it may take around 10-15 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Crab Orchard West Virginia. This means, after 10-15 years, the savings on electricity bills will begin to compensate for the investment. With solar panels lasting for a long time, the subsequent years will bring continued savings. Installing solar panels not only provides long-term financial benefits but also contributes to a cleaner environment. It’s a wise choice for both your wallet and the planet!
Investing in solar power in Crab Orchard West Virginia
Installing solar panels in Crab Orchard, West Virginia can be a smart investment for residents looking to save money on electricity bills. Despite the town’s above-average precipitation and cloud cover, the sun exposure is still sufficient for solar panels to be effective. With electricity costs in line with the national average, residents can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels within 10-15 years. Beyond that, they will continue to see savings on their energy bills and contribute to a cleaner environment. It’s a wise choice for both financial benefits and sustainability!