Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Harrisburg, PA: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Harrisburg, PA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.9/10 3.6/10 3.9/10 4.3/10 7.6/10
Not Bad 47% daily 5 inches monthly 4 on average 0.13/kw

Overview

Are you looking to save money on your electricity bills in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania? Installing solar panels on your home could be the answer you’ve been searching for. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Harrisburg, we will show you how much you can potentially save with a solar system. With the cost breakdown and estimated break-even time, you’ll see just how financially beneficial going solar can be for you.

Harrisburg Pennsylvania Weather Trends

Harrisburg Precipitation

In the last year, Harrisburg Pennsylvania received 55.7 inches of precipitation, which is slightly above the national average of 50.61 inches. While Harrisburg ranks in the 61st percentile nationwide, it falls in the 34th percentile within Pennsylvania. By harnessing rainwater through solar panels, you can utilize this natural resource to power your home efficiently and help lower your electricity bills.

Harrisburg’s UV Rating

Harrisburg Pennsylvania had an average UV rating of 3.96 in the last year, positioning it below the national average of 4.29 but above Pennsylvania’s average of 3.82. With an average max UV rating of 4.35, Harrisburg is close to the national average of 4.61. By capturing this UV energy with solar panels, you can take advantage of the abundant sunlight in Harrisburg to generate clean and renewable energy while reducing your carbon footprint.

Harrisburg’s Cloud Cover

In the last year, Harrisburg Pennsylvania had an average cloud cover of 47%, surpassing both the national average of 44.46% and Pennsylvania’s average of 51.8%. With varying degrees of cloud cover throughout the year, solar panels can still generate power even on partly cloudy days. By installing solar panels, you can tap into sunlight regardless of cloud cover, ensuring a consistent energy supply for your home.

Harrisburg Pennsylvania Electricity Costs

Harrisburg Pennsylvania residents pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, falling in line with the national average. While Harrisburg ranks in the 76th percentile nationwide, it is at the 60th percentile within Pennsylvania. By investing in solar panels, you can lock in lower electricity costs and potentially even generate excess energy to sell back to the grid, providing long-term financial benefits for your home.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Harrisburg Pennsylvania?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Harrisburg Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania gets slightly more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunny days for solar panels to work effectively.
  • The UV ratings in Harrisburg Pennsylvania are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still good for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Harrisburg Pennsylvania is about average for the country, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Harrisburg Pennsylvania pay about the national average for 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 system generates electricity, which means residents don’t need to buy as much from the grid.
  • With the average electricity cost in Harrisburg Pennsylvania, the savings can add up over time.

After doing the calculations, it looks like it would take around 9 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means, after 9 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to pay off the investment. Since solar panels last for a long time, after that initial period, residents will continue to enjoy those savings for many years to come. It’s a wise investment for both saving money and contributing to a greener environment!

Investing in solar power in Harrisburg Pennsylvania

After analyzing the weather data and electricity costs specific to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, it is clear that installing solar panels can be a financially beneficial decision for residents. With slightly above-average precipitation, good UV ratings, and varying cloud cover throughout the year, solar panels can effectively harness sunlight to generate clean and renewable energy. Additionally, with electricity costs in line with the national average, investing in solar panels can lock in lower electricity costs and potentially lead to long-term savings. Considering the break-even time of around 9 years for a standard 10kW system, residents can enjoy reduced electricity bills and contribute to a greener environment for many years to come. Overall, going solar in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is a smart and eco-friendly choice for both your wallet and the planet.