Overview
If you live in Derry Pennsylvania, installing solar panels on your home can save you money in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to our area, we can estimate how long it will take for a solar system to pay for itself. With the average cost of electricity and the amount of sunlight we receive, investing in solar panels could be a smart financial decision for residents of Derry.
Derry Pennsylvania Weather Trends
Derry Precipitation
With Derry Pennsylvania receiving 54.09 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is important to consider how this weather trend compares to the rest of the country and Pennsylvania. Derry falls in the 57th percentile nationally and the 26th percentile within Pennsylvania. The national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Pennsylvania’s average is 59.53 inches. Investing in solar panels in an area with moderate precipitation like Derry can ensure a consistent source of renewable energy.
Derry’s UV Rating
Considering Derry Pennsylvania’s average UV rating of 2.89 in the last year, residents can benefit from this data when deciding to install solar panels. Derry ranks in the 2nd percentile in the nation and the 1st percentile in Pennsylvania. Comparatively, the national average for UV rating is 4.29, and Pennsylvania’s average is 3.82. With an average max UV rating of 3.13, Derry sits in the 10th percentile nationally and the 2nd percentile within Pennsylvania. This ample sunlight exposure makes Derry an ideal location for harnessing solar energy.
Derry’s Cloud Cover
In the last year, Derry Pennsylvania experienced an average of 75% cloud cover. Derry ranks in the 100th percentile both nationally and within Pennsylvania. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, and Pennsylvania’s average is 51.8%. Despite high cloud cover percentages, Derry had a significant number of days with partial cloud cover, making it suitable for solar panel installation. With 19 days of low cloud cover and 228 days of high cloud cover, residents can still benefit from solar energy on many days throughout the year.
Derry Pennsylvania Electricity Costs
Residents of Derry Pennsylvania pay around $0.12/kw for electricity, placing them in the 45th percentile nationally and the 6th percentile within Pennsylvania. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, aligning closely with Pennsylvania’s average. With slightly lower electricity costs in Derry, investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings on energy bills over time. By transitioning to solar power, residents can reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources and contribute to a greener environment.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Derry Pennsylvania?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Derry 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:
- Derry Pennsylvania receives slightly more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Derry Pennsylvania are lower than the national average, but they are still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Derry Pennsylvania is higher than the national average, with a significant number of days having between 75% and 100% cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Derry Pennsylvania pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average.
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:
- By generating your own electricity, you reduce the amount you need to purchase from the grid, resulting in savings.
- With Derry Pennsylvania’s relatively lower electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are slightly less compared to areas with higher rates.
After calculations, it appears that it would take around 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Derry Pennsylvania. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years beyond the break-even point. It’s a wise investment for both your finances and the environment!
Investing in solar power in Derry Pennsylvania
Investing in solar panels in Derry, Pennsylvania can be a smart financial decision for residents. With ample sunlight exposure, despite some weather challenges, and slightly lower electricity costs compared to the national average, the payback period for a solar system is estimated to be around 8-10 years. This means that after this initial period, the savings on electricity bills will accumulate and offset the investment. Not only does this benefit your finances, but it also contributes to a greener environment. Making the switch to solar power is a long-term investment that is both financially and environmentally beneficial for residents of Derry, Pennsylvania.