Overview
If you’re an Etowah, North Carolina resident, you may be wondering about the benefits of installing solar panels on your home. By analyzing weather data specific to your area, along with basic electricity costs, we can show you how a solar system can save you money in the long run. With a breakdown of installation costs and estimated break-even timelines, this article aims to convince you of the financial advantages of going solar in Etowah.
Etowah North Carolina Weather Trends
Etowah Precipitation
With 74.96 inches of precipitation in the last year, Etowah, North Carolina ranks in the 94th percentile in the nation and the 89th percentile in North Carolina. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and North Carolina’s average of 65.54 inches, Etowah’s higher precipitation levels make it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy.
Etowah’s UV Rating
Etowah, North Carolina’s average UV rating of 4.23 places it in the 55th percentile in the nation and the 15th percentile in the state. In comparison, the national average is 4.29, and North Carolina’s average is 4.72. With an average max UV rating of 4.66, Etowah is in the 49th percentile nationally and the 28th percentile among North Carolina regions. These UV rating numbers indicate ample sunlight for effective solar panel operation.
Etowah’s Cloud Cover
Etowah, North Carolina had an average of 43% cloud cover in the last year, ranking it in the 42nd percentile nationally and the 72nd percentile in North Carolina. In contrast, the national average cloud cover is 44.46%, while North Carolina’s average is 42.57%. With varying cloud cover days, Etowah offers a balanced environment for consistent solar energy production.
Etowah North Carolina Electricity Costs
Residents of Etowah, North Carolina pay around $0.13/kw for electricity, placing them in the 66th percentile nationally and the 76th percentile within the state. The national average is also $0.13/kw, whereas North Carolina’s average is slightly lower at $0.12/kw. Installing solar panels can significantly reduce electricity costs in Etowah, making it a financially wise decision in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Etowah North Carolina?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Etowah, 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:
- Etowah gets more rain than the national average, but still has good sunlight for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings are slightly lower than the national average but are still decent for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Etowah is around the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Etowah 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 need to purchase as much from the grid.
- With the national average electricity rates, there are savings to be had over time.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 8-10 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. And with solar panels lasting 25-30 years, you’ll continue to enjoy those savings for many years after breaking even. It’s a smart investment for both your wallet and the environment!
Investing in solar power in Etowah North Carolina
Installing solar panels in Etowah, North Carolina can be a wise financial decision in the long run. By harnessing the ample sunlight in the region and taking advantage of the average electricity costs, residents can expect to break even on their solar investments in around 8-10 years. With solar panels lasting 25-30 years, the savings on electricity bills will continue for many years after that, making it a smart investment for both your wallet and the environment.