Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Houston, AL: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Houston, AL at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.6/10 5.3/10 1.9/10 7.9/10 8.1/10
Not Bad 43% daily 5 inches monthly 5 on average 0.14/kw

Overview

In Houston, Alabama, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings over time. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Houston, as well as the cost of a solar system, we can estimate how long it will take for you to break even on your investment. With ample sunlight throughout the year, you can take advantage of the average 4.5 kWh/m2/day of solar radiation to generate your own clean energy and reduce your reliance on grid electricity. This means lower electricity bills each month and the potential to earn credits for excess energy produced.

Houston Alabama Weather Trends

Houston Precipitation

With Houston, Alabama receiving 65.34 inches of precipitation in the last year, it’s clear that our city falls in the 81st percentile nationwide and the 51st percentile within Alabama. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Alabama’s average of 66.86 inches, Houston’s precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar panel installation. By harnessing the power of the sun, you can offset the impact of Houston’s above-average rainfall and save on your electricity bills.

Houston’s UV Rating

Over the last year, Houston, Alabama maintained an average UV rating of 5.03, placing it in the 79th percentile in the nation and the 33rd percentile in Alabama. This means that Houston enjoys higher UV exposure when compared to the national average of 4.29 and slightly lower than Alabama’s average of 5.16. With an average max UV rating of 5.44, Houston residents have ample sunlight to produce clean energy and lower their environmental footprint while benefiting from financial savings.

Houston’s Cloud Cover

Despite having an average cloud cover of 43% in the last year, Houston, Alabama remains in the 47th percentile in the nation and the 71st percentile within Alabama. In comparison, the national average for cloud cover stands at 44.46%, with Alabama’s average at 43.57%. With a significant number of days categorized under minimal cloud cover, Houston provides optimal conditions for solar energy generation, allowing homeowners to maximize their electricity savings.

Houston Alabama Electricity Costs

Residents of Houston, Alabama pay approximately $0.14/kw for electricity, placing the city in the 81st percentile nationally and the 93rd percentile within Alabama. Although slightly higher than both the national average of $0.13/kw and Alabama’s average, investing in solar panels can significantly reduce your reliance on grid electricity and mitigate the impact of rising energy costs. By taking advantage of Houston’s favorable electricity rates, you can enjoy long-term financial benefits while embracing sustainable energy solutions.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Houston Alabama?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Houston, Alabama, 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:

  • Houston receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sun for solar panels to be effective.
  • The UV ratings in Houston are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Houston is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Houston pay a bit more 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 system generates electricity, reducing the need to buy as much from the grid.
  • With Houston’s higher electricity rates, the savings are even greater.

After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 5-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5-7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to pay off the investment. The solar panels will continue to save you money for many years to come, making it a wise investment in the long run!

Investing in solar power in Houston Alabama

Installing solar panels in Houston, Alabama is a smart investment that can lead to significant financial savings over time. With above-average sunlight, favorable UV ratings, and minimal cloud cover, Houston provides optimal conditions for generating clean energy and lowering electricity bills. Despite slightly higher electricity costs, the potential savings from solar power can help homeowners break even on their investment within 5-7 years. By taking advantage of Houston’s weather trends and electricity rates, residents can enjoy long-term benefits while reducing their environmental impact. Investing in solar panels is not only a wise financial decision but also a sustainable energy solution for the future.