Overview
Are you a homeowner in Handley, West Virginia looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the perfect solution for you. In this article, we will break down the financial benefits of going solar in Handley by analyzing the weather data and electricity costs specific to the area. We will show you how much you can save on your electricity bills and estimate how long it will take for your solar system to pay for itself. Let’s dive into the numbers and see why going solar is a smart investment for Handley residents.
Handley West Virginia Weather Trends
Handley Precipitation
With 55.32 inches of precipitation in the last year, Handley West Virginia is above the national average, ranking in the 60th percentile nationwide. Compared to the rest of West Virginia, Handley falls slightly below average, in the 44th percentile. Despite higher precipitation levels, solar panels can still be a great investment in Handley due to their ability to generate electricity even on cloudy days.
Handley’s UV Rating
Handley’s average UV rating of 4.15 places it in the middle of the pack compared to the rest of the nation, ranking in the 52nd percentile. In West Virginia, however, Handley is in the 73rd percentile for UV rating. These moderate UV levels make Handley a suitable location for solar panel installation, allowing for efficient energy production throughout the year.
Handley’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 51%, Handley West Virginia experiences cloudier skies than the national average. Despite this, Handley ranks above average within the state, in the 41st percentile. The varying levels of cloud cover throughout the year provide opportunities for solar panels to still generate electricity, making them a practical choice for Handley residents looking to save on their electric bills.
Handley West Virginia Electricity Costs
Handley residents pay around $0.13 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, which is slightly above the national average. However, within West Virginia, this places Handley in the 78th percentile for residential electricity costs. By switching to solar energy, homeowners in Handley can take control of their electricity expenses and reduce their reliance on traditional utility providers.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Handley West Virginia?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Handley 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:
- Handley West Virginia receives slightly more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunshine for solar panels to be effective.
- While the UV ratings in Handley West Virginia are slightly lower than the national average, they are still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Handley West Virginia is slightly higher than the national average, with some fluctuation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Handley West Virginia pay the national average for residential electricity.
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 the average electricity costs in Handley West Virginia, the savings will help offset the initial investment over time.
After crunching the numbers, it appears that it may take around 5-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for a long time, you can enjoy these savings for many years to come. Investing in solar energy is not only a smart financial choice but also a sustainable way to help the environment.
Investing in solar power in Handley West Virginia
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Handley, West Virginia, it is evident that installing solar panels can be a wise financial decision for residents. Despite slightly above-average precipitation and cloud cover levels, Handley still receives enough sunlight for efficient energy production. With electricity costs in the 78th percentile within the state, switching to solar power can help homeowners take control of their expenses. It may take around 5-7 years to break even on the initial investment, after which savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate. Not only is investing in solar energy financially beneficial, but it is also a sustainable way to contribute to a greener future.