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Solar and Electricity Data for Fairmont, WV: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Fairmont, WV at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
2.2/10 1.5/10 2.4/10 3.6/10 3.5/10
OK 53% daily 5 inches monthly 3.8 on average 0.11/kw

Overview

Are you tired of high electricity bills in Fairmont, West Virginia? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been looking for! By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Fairmont, we will show you how much money you can save with a solar system. We will break down the initial cost of installation and estimate how long it will take for you to start seeing a return on your investment. Let us help you make the switch to solar and start saving money today!

Fairmont West Virginia Weather Trends

Fairmont Precipitation

Fairmont West Virginia received 62.91 inches of precipitation in the last year, ranking it in the 76th percentile in the nation and the 75th percentile in West Virginia. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and West Virginia’s average of 57.58 inches, Fairmont experiences above-average rainfall. By harnessing solar energy, residents can take advantage of this abundant natural resource to bring down their electricity costs and reduce their carbon footprint.

Fairmont’s UV Rating

In the last year, Fairmont West Virginia had an average UV rating of 3.81, placing it in the 36th percentile nationally and the 30th percentile within West Virginia. While the UV rating may not be as high as in other parts of the country, it is still sufficient for effective solar panel operation. With the national average UV rating at 4.29 and West Virginia’s average at 4.01, Fairmont residents can benefit from solar energy to power their homes efficiently.

Fairmont’s Cloud Cover

Fairmont West Virginia experienced an average cloud cover of 53% in the last year, ranking it in the 85th percentile nationally and the 79th percentile within West Virginia. Despite the occasional cloud cover, Fairmont still enjoys a good amount of sunlight throughout the year. With 87 days of minimal cloud cover, 75 days of moderate cover, 93 days of significant cover, and 109 days of heavy cover, there are plenty of sunny days to make solar energy a viable option for residents.

Fairmont West Virginia Electricity Costs

Residents in Fairmont West Virginia pay approximately $0.11/kw for electricity, placing them in the 35th percentile nationally and the 33rd percentile within West Virginia. While this cost is lower than the national average of $0.13/kw and just below West Virginia’s average of $0.12/kw, it is still a significant expense over time. By switching to solar power, residents can significantly reduce their electricity bills and ultimately save money in the long run.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Fairmont West Virginia?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Fairmont, 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:

  • Fairmont receives more precipitation compared to the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
  • The UV ratings in Fairmont are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Fairmont is slightly higher than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Fairmont 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. Here’s how:

  • The system generates electricity, reducing the need to purchase as much from the grid.
  • Given Fairmont’s electricity rates, the savings will gradually accumulate over time.

After analyzing the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the accumulated savings on electricity bills will begin to exceed the initial investment. Moreover, solar panels have a long lifespan, ensuring continued savings for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar energy is a wise decision for both your finances and the environment!

Investing in solar power in Fairmont West Virginia

Installing solar panels in Fairmont, West Virginia can significantly reduce your electricity bills and provide long-term savings. By leveraging the abundant sunlight and lowering electricity costs, residents can expect to break even on their investment in approximately 6 years. Not only does solar power benefit your wallet, but it also helps to reduce your carbon footprint. Making the switch to solar energy is a smart choice for your finances and the environment. Take the first step towards a more sustainable future and start saving with solar today!