Overview
In Great Falls Virginia, installing solar panels on your home can save you money on your electricity bills in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we will show you how a solar system can help you break even on your investment sooner than you might think. With the average amount of sunshine and low cloud cover, you can take advantage of the solar energy potential in your area to start saving money on your electricity bills.
Great Falls Virginia Weather Trends
Great Falls Precipitation
In the last year, Great Falls Virginia received 52.51 inches of precipitation, putting it above the national average of 50.61 inches. While Great Falls falls below Virginia’s average of 56.77 inches, the amount of precipitation in the area still provides ample opportunity to generate solar energy and potentially save on electricity costs.
Great Falls’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 4.25, Great Falls Virginia ranks close to the national average of 4.29. Although it falls slightly below Virginia’s average of 4.41, the area still sees plenty of sunlight to make installing solar panels a worthwhile investment. The average max UV rating of 4.6 further highlights the solar energy potential in Great Falls.
Great Falls’s Cloud Cover
Great Falls Virginia experienced an average cloud cover of 44% in the last year, slightly below both the national and state averages. With a significant number of days featuring low cloud cover, residents can take advantage of the sunshine to harness solar energy. Having fewer cloudy days means more opportunities to generate electricity from solar panels.
Great Falls Virginia Electricity Costs
Great Falls residents pay about $0.12/kw for electricity, which is in line with the state average and lower than the national average. By investing in solar panels, residents can lower their reliance on traditional electricity sources, potentially saving money in the long run while also reducing their environmental impact.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Great Falls Virginia?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Great Falls, 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:
- Great Falls receives slightly more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sun for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Great Falls are slightly below the national average, but they are still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Great Falls is close to the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Great Falls, Virginia, 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.
- With Great Falls’ slightly lower electricity rates, the savings are beneficial.
Based on the calculations, it would take approximately 7 to 8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7 to 8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Furthermore, since solar panels last for a long time, the savings will continue for many years beyond that initial period. Investing in solar power is a wise financial decision that also contributes positively to the environment!
Investing in solar power in Great Falls Virginia
Installing solar panels in Great Falls Virginia is a smart investment that can save you money on your electricity bills. With slightly higher precipitation but ample sunlight, along with lower than average cloud cover, the area has great solar energy potential. Additionally, with electricity costs in Great Falls aligning with the state average and below the national average, the savings from using solar power can help you break even on your investment in around 7 to 8 years. This not only benefits your wallet but also contributes positively to the environment. Consider harnessing solar energy to start saving on your electricity costs today!