Overview
If you’re a Gatlinburg Tennessee resident looking to slash your electricity bills, installing solar panels on your home could be a game-changer. By utilizing local weather data and basic electricity costs, this article will show you the financial benefits of going solar in your area. We’ll break down the costs of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even, making a strong case for making the switch to renewable energy.
Gatlinburg Tennessee Weather Trends
Gatlinburg Precipitation
With Gatlinburg Tennessee receiving approximately 73.83 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the area experiences quite a bit of rainfall. In fact, Gatlinburg ranks in the 93rd percentile in the nation and the 99th percentile in Tennessee when it comes to total precipitation. When comparing this to the national average of 50.61 inches and Tennessee’s average of 58.16 inches, it’s evident that Gatlinburg sees above-average rainfall.
Gatlinburg’s UV Rating
Considering Gatlinburg Tennessee’s average UV rating of 4.34 in the last year, residents can expect moderate levels of ultraviolet radiation. This places Gatlinburg in the 60th percentile in the nation and the 15th percentile in Tennessee. In comparison, the national average for average UV rating is 4.29, while Tennessee’s average is slightly higher at 4.65. With an average max UV rating of 4.66, Gatlinburg falls around the middle when compared to the rest of the nation and the state.
Gatlinburg’s Cloud Cover
In terms of cloud cover, Gatlinburg Tennessee experienced an average of 45% cloudiness in the last year. This puts Gatlinburg in the 54th percentile in the nation and the 71st percentile in Tennessee. When looking at the national average of 44.46% and Tennessee’s average of 43.78%, it’s clear that Gatlinburg tends to have slightly more cloudy days. With a variety of cloud cover percentages throughout the year, residents can expect a mix of sunny and overcast days.
Gatlinburg Tennessee Electricity Costs
Gatlinburg Tennessee residents currently pay around $0.11/kw for electricity, which is lower than the national average of $0.13/kw but on par with the state average of $0.11/kw. By harnessing the abundant sunshine in Gatlinburg, residents have the opportunity to generate their own electricity and potentially reduce their reliance on traditional utility providers. Making the switch to solar power can significantly decrease electricity costs in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Gatlinburg Tennessee?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, 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:
- Gatlinburg receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunshine for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Gatlinburg are slightly above the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Gatlinburg is about average compared to the rest of the country, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Gatlinburg pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, at $0.11/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 and resulting in cost savings.
- With Gatlinburg’s electricity rates, the savings from using solar power will be significant over time.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Gatlinburg. This means that after 5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to exceed the initial investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar power is not only a financially smart choice but also an environmentally friendly one.
Investing in solar power in Gatlinburg Tennessee
Switching to solar power in Gatlinburg, Tennessee can be a financially rewarding decision. By harnessing the abundant sunshine and favorable electricity costs in the area, residents can expect to break even on their solar panel installation within approximately 5 years. Not only will this investment save money in the long run, but it also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. So, if you’re looking to reduce your electricity bills and make a positive impact, solar panels might just be the game-changer you’ve been seeking.