Overview
If you live in Harrisburg, North Carolina, installing solar panels on your home could save you money in the long run. By utilizing weather data specific to your area, we will show you how the abundant sunshine can help you generate your own electricity and reduce your monthly electric bills. With a breakdown of the costs involved and an estimate of how quickly you can recoup your investment, this article will illustrate the financial benefits of going solar in Harrisburg.
Harrisburg North Carolina Weather Trends
Harrisburg Precipitation
With Harrisburg receiving an impressive 168.81 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is evident that this area sees a significant amount of rainfall. This places Harrisburg in the 100th percentile in both the nation and North Carolina, showcasing its unique climate. In comparison, the national average for total precipitation is only 50.61 inches, highlighting the abundance of rain in Harrisburg compared to the rest of the country.
Harrisburg’s UV Rating
When it comes to UV rating, Harrisburg boasts an average of 6.23, ranking it in the 97th percentile in both the nation and North Carolina. This indicates that Harrisburg enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, perfect for generating solar energy. In contrast, the national average for UV rating is 4.29, emphasizing the higher levels of sunlight in Harrisburg compared to the rest of the country.
Harrisburg’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 64%, Harrisburg is in the 99th percentile in both the nation and North Carolina. While there are days with varying degrees of cloudiness, the overall cloud cover in Harrisburg is relatively high. In comparison, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, indicating that Harrisburg experiences more cloud cover than most areas in the country.
Harrisburg North Carolina Electricity Costs
Residents of Harrisburg pay approximately $0.11/kw for electricity, placing them in the 39th percentile in the nation and the 12th percentile in North Carolina. With lower electricity costs compared to the national and state averages of $0.13/kw and $0.12/kw respectively, going solar in Harrisburg can help you save even more money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Harrisburg North Carolina?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Harrisburg, North 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:
- Harrisburg gets significantly more rain compared to the national average, which may impact the effectiveness of solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Harrisburg are higher than the national average, indicating good potential for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Harrisburg is higher than the national average, which might affect the amount of sunlight reaching the solar panels.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Harrisburg pay slightly lower electricity rates 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 amount needed from the grid and resulting in cost savings.
- With lower electricity rates in Harrisburg, the savings may be slightly lower compared to other areas.
After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Harrisburg. This means that after 6-7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Considering the lifespan of solar panels, the potential for long-term savings and environmental benefits is significant. Investing in solar energy can be a smart choice in the long run.
Investing in solar power in Harrisburg North Carolina
Based on the weather trends and electricity costs in Harrisburg, North Carolina, it is clear that installing solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings. With high UV ratings and slightly lower electricity costs compared to national averages, residents can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels within 6-7 years. This means that after this initial period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to outweigh the cost of installation, providing both financial and environmental benefits. Choosing to go solar in Harrisburg is a smart decision for those looking to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.