Overview
If you live in Durham, North Carolina, installing solar panels on your home can bring significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs in the area, we can show you how much you can save on your energy bills by making the switch to solar power. With the right system, you can break even on your investment and start enjoying savings in a matter of years. Let’s take a closer look at why going solar in Durham is a smart choice for your wallet.
Durham North Carolina Weather Trends
Durham Precipitation
With Durham receiving 58.03 inches of precipitation in the last year, the city fares better than 66% of the nation and 13% of North Carolina. This means Durham experiences slightly less rainfall compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and state average of 65.54 inches. By harnessing solar power in Durham, you can take advantage of the ample sunlight available in the area to offset any potential rain-related energy fluctuations.
Durham’s UV Rating
Durham’s average UV rating of 4.79 in the last year places it in the 73rd percentile nationwide and the 55th percentile in North Carolina. This indicates that Durham enjoys higher levels of UV exposure, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation. With an average max UV rating of 5.2, Durham residents can fully capitalize on the sun’s energy to generate electricity for their homes more efficiently than areas with lower UV ratings.
Durham’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average cloud cover of 41% in the last year, which is lower than 67% of the nation and 61% of North Carolina, Durham’s weather conditions still provide sufficient sunlight for solar energy production. With 131 days of minimal cloud cover and a significant number of clear days, residents can rely on solar power to meet their electricity needs consistently throughout the year.
Durham North Carolina Electricity Costs
With residents paying $0.1/kw for electricity, Durham stands in the 15th percentile nationwide and the 1st percentile in North Carolina for affordability. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw and the state average of $0.12/kw, Durham offers lower electricity costs, making solar panel installation a financially viable option for long-term savings on energy bills.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Durham North Carolina?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Durham, 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:
- Durham gets a bit more rain than the national average, but it’s still sunny enough for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings are slightly higher than the national average, which is great for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Durham is slightly lower than the national average, which means more sunny days for solar panel efficiency.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Durham pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which means more savings by 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 buy from the grid, resulting in savings on electricity bills.
- With Durham’s lower electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are even more significant.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 4-5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. That means, after 4-5 years, the money you save on electricity bills will start to add up and pay off the investment. And remember, solar panels last for a long time, so after that initial period, you’ll be enjoying those savings for many years to come. It’s a smart way to save money and help the environment at the same time!
Investing in solar power in Durham North Carolina
Installing solar panels in Durham, North Carolina can be a smart financial decision. With the city’s favorable weather conditions for solar energy production and lower electricity costs compared to national and state averages, making the switch to solar power can lead to significant savings on energy bills. By investing in a solar system, residents could break even on their initial costs in just a few years, ultimately enjoying long-term financial benefits while also contributing to a cleaner environment. Choosing solar power in Durham is a wise choice for your wallet and the planet.