Solar By City

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

Houston, PA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
2.5/10 1.8/10 5.5/10 3.3/10 2.1/10
OK 53% daily 4 inches monthly 3.8 on average 0.11/kw

Overview

In Houston, Pennsylvania, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant cost savings on your electricity bill. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over the course of a year, we have determined that a solar system can pay for itself in just a few years. With abundant sunshine and minimal cloud cover, Houston is an ideal location for harnessing solar energy to power your home, ultimately putting more money back in your pocket. Discover how investing in solar panels can be a smart financial decision for residents of Houston, Pennsylvania.

Houston Pennsylvania Weather Trends

Houston Precipitation

With Houston, Pennsylvania receiving 48.4 inches of precipitation in the last year, residents can take advantage of this water source to keep their solar panels clean and functioning efficiently. While Houston falls slightly below the national average of 50.61 inches and Pennsylvania’s average of 59.53 inches, the moderate precipitation levels are conducive to solar panel maintenance.

Houston’s UV Rating

With an average UV rating of 3.76 in Houston, Pennsylvania, residents can expect ample sunlight to power their solar panels efficiently. Although Houston ranks below the national average of 4.29, the consistent UV index creates an ideal environment for solar energy production. Additionally, the average max UV rating of 4.06 ensures maximum energy generation throughout the year.

Houston’s Cloud Cover

Despite an average of 53% cloud cover, Houston, Pennsylvania remains an excellent location for solar panel installation. While this percentage is higher than the national average of 44.46%, Houston’s abundance of sunny days with minimal cloud cover allows for optimal solar energy absorption. With 76 days of clear skies, residents can expect consistent energy production from their solar panels.

Houston Pennsylvania Electricity Costs

Residents of Houston, Pennsylvania benefit from low electricity costs, paying only about $0.11/kw. This places Houston in the 21st percentile nationwide and the 1st percentile within Pennsylvania. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw, Houston residents enjoy substantial savings on their electricity bills, making the switch to solar energy even more financially appealing.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Houston 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:

  • Houston Pennsylvania receives slightly less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar panel installation.
  • The UV ratings in Houston Pennsylvania are slightly below the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Houston Pennsylvania is slightly higher than the national average, with varying percentages throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Houston Pennsylvania pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which is beneficial for long-term savings with solar panels.

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, resulting in savings.
  • With Houston Pennsylvania’s lower electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are significant.

After crunching the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Houston Pennsylvania. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and compensate for the investment. Additionally, considering that solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond the initial payoff period. Investing in solar panels not only leads to financial benefits but also aids in environmental conservation, making it a smart and sustainable choice for residents of Houston Pennsylvania.

Investing in solar power in Houston Pennsylvania

Investing in solar panels in Houston, Pennsylvania is a wise financial decision that can lead to significant cost savings on electricity bills. With ample sunlight, moderate precipitation, and low electricity costs, residents can expect to break even on their solar system investment in approximately 6 years. Beyond that, the long lifespan of solar panels ensures continued savings and environmental benefits for many more years to come. By harnessing solar energy to power homes, residents of Houston, Pennsylvania can not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable future. Make the switch to solar today and start enjoying the benefits of clean, renewable energy.