Overview
In Gresham, South Carolina, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant savings on your electricity bills over time. By analyzing weather data and basic electricity costs, we can show you how a solar system can pay for itself in a matter of years. With ample sunshine, low precipitation, and minimal cloud cover on average, Gresham is an ideal location for harnessing solar energy to power your home. Read on to learn more about the financial benefits of going solar in Gresham.
Gresham South Carolina Weather Trends
Gresham Precipitation
In the last year, Gresham South Carolina received 70.32 inches of precipitation, placing it in the 89th percentile nationally and the 81st percentile in the state. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and South Carolina’s average of 65.15 inches, Gresham experiences more rainfall which can benefit solar panel efficiency by keeping them clean and functioning optimally.
Gresham’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 5.16, Gresham ranks in the 82nd percentile nationally and the 61st percentile in South Carolina. This high UV rating, especially when considering the average max UV rating of 5.51, indicates strong sunlight exposure that is ideal for generating solar energy efficiently. Compared to the national average of 4.29 and South Carolina’s average of 5.08/5.44 respectively, Gresham has excellent solar potential.
Gresham’s Cloud Cover
Despite an average cloud cover of 41% in the last year, Gresham is still in the 35th percentile nationally and the 71st percentile in South Carolina. The lower presence of clouds in Gresham compared to the national average of 44.46% and South Carolina’s average of 41.21% means that there are more clear days for sunlight to reach and power solar panels efficiently.
Gresham South Carolina Electricity Costs
At $0.13/kw, Gresham residents pay about the national average for electricity. Being in the 75th percentile nationally and the 45th percentile in South Carolina for electricity costs, transitioning to solar panels can lead to significant savings over time. With the ample sunlight and high UV ratings in Gresham, investing in solar panels can quickly pay for itself through reduced electricity bills.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Gresham South Carolina?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Gresham South 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:
- Gresham South Carolina receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has plenty of sunny days for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Gresham South Carolina are higher than the national average, making it a good location for solar power generation.
- Cloud cover in Gresham South Carolina is slightly lower than the national average, with varying percentages throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Gresham South Carolina pay about the same 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 solar system generates electricity, reducing the amount needed from the grid.
- Given Gresham South Carolina’s electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are significant.
Based on the calculations, it would take approximately 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Gresham South Carolina. After this period, the savings on electricity bills will start accumulating and contribute to the return on investment. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond the payback period. Investing in solar panels not only saves money but also benefits the environment in the long run.
Investing in solar power in Gresham South Carolina
With ample sunshine, low precipitation, and minimal cloud cover, Gresham, South Carolina is an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings on electricity bills over time. With the potential to break even on the initial investment in about 5 years, transitioning to solar energy in Gresham is a financially sound decision that can benefit both homeowners and the environment for years to come.