Overview
Are you a Harlan, Kentucky resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be a smart financial decision for you. By analyzing weather data specific to Harlan, including inches of precipitation, average max UV rating, average UV rating, and average cloud cover, we can estimate the potential savings from a solar system. This article will break down the cost of a solar system for your home and estimate how long it will take to break even based on the data collected. With rising electricity costs and abundant sunshine in Harlan, investing in solar panels could lead to significant long-term savings for you and your family.
Harlan Kentucky Weather Trends
Harlan Precipitation
With 69.83 inches of precipitation in the last year, Harlan, Kentucky is in the 88th percentile in the nation and the 97th percentile in Kentucky. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Kentucky’s average is 54.69 inches. This abundance of rain provides an excellent opportunity for Harlan residents to harness solar energy and save on electricity costs.
Harlan’s UV Rating
Harlan’s average UV rating of 4.22 places it in the 55th percentile in the nation and the 20th percentile in Kentucky. In comparison, the national average for average UV rating is 4.29, while Kentucky’s average is 4.37. Additionally, the average max UV rating of 4.6 indicates the strong potential for solar energy production in Harlan. Leveraging this abundant sunlight can result in substantial long-term savings for residents.
Harlan’s Cloud Cover
Harlan, Kentucky had an average of 48% cloud cover in the last year, placing it in the 67th percentile in the nation and the 87th percentile in Kentucky. In contrast, the national average for average cloud cover is 44.46%, with Kentucky’s average at 45.75%. With a significant number of days with clear skies, Harlan residents have ample sunlight for solar panels to generate electricity efficiently.
Harlan Kentucky Electricity Costs
Residents of Harlan, Kentucky pay approximately $0.11/kw for electricity, positioning them in the 27th percentile in the nation and the 56th percentile in Kentucky. Nationally, the average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, and Kentucky’s average aligns with Harlan at $0.11/kw. Installing solar panels can offset these costs and provide sustainable energy for years to come.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Harlan Kentucky?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Harlan, Kentucky, 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:
- Harlan, Kentucky receives more precipitation compared to the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Harlan are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Harlan is slightly higher than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Harlan, Kentucky pay 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 need to purchase as much from the grid.
- Due to the lower cost of electricity in Harlan, the savings from using solar power are slightly lower.
After analyzing the data, it seems like it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Harlan, Kentucky. This means that after 7-8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will surpass the initial investment cost. Considering that solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, this investment would result in significant long-term savings and benefits for the environment. It’s a wise financial and ecological decision for residents in Harlan to consider solar energy as an alternative and sustainable source of power.
Investing in solar power in Harlan Kentucky
Installing solar panels in Harlan, Kentucky can be a wise financial decision for residents looking to save money on their electricity bills. With an abundance of precipitation, sufficient sunlight, and reasonable electricity costs, investing in solar energy could lead to significant long-term savings. Based on the data collected, it would take approximately 7-8 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar system, resulting in years of reduced electricity expenses and a more sustainable energy source for the future. Residents in Harlan should consider harnessing solar power as a smart financial and ecological choice for their homes.