Overview
Living in Houston, Texas, you have probably noticed how much you rely on electricity to keep your home comfortable throughout the year. As you consider your energy bills, it may be worthwhile to explore the benefits of installing solar panels on your home. By harnessing the power of the sun, you can significantly reduce your electricity costs over time, ultimately saving you money. In this article, we will analyze weather data specific to Houston, as well as basic electricity costs, to estimate the financial benefits of investing in a solar system for your home.
Houston Texas Weather Trends
Houston Precipitation
With Houston receiving 53.93 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls above the national average of 50.61 inches. Compared to the rest of Texas, Houston is also on the higher end, ranking in the 91st percentile. By harnessing the power of solar panels in a city with above-average precipitation, you can take advantage of the energy generated even during rainy days.
Houston’s UV Rating
Considering Houston’s high UV rating of 6.07, which is well above both the national and Texas averages, installing solar panels can be extremely beneficial in harnessing the abundant sunlight the city receives. With an average max UV rating of 6.42, Houston residents have the potential to generate significant solar energy throughout the year.
Houston’s Cloud Cover
Despite an average cloud cover of 41% in Houston, which is slightly below the national average, residents still have many days with optimal sunlight for solar panel efficiency. With 126 days having between 0% and 25% cloud cover, there are plenty of opportunities to generate clean energy from the sun.
Houston Texas Electricity Costs
With Houston residents paying around $0.14/kw for electricity, which is higher than both the national and state averages, investing in solar panels can lead to substantial cost savings over time. By generating your own electricity from the sun, you can reduce your reliance on the grid and lower your monthly energy bills in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Houston Texas?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Houston, Texas, 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 gets more rain than the national average, but it still receives plenty of sunshine for solar panels to work effectively.
- 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 below the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Houston pay slightly 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 amount bought from the grid.
- With Houston’s electricity rates, the savings are significant.
After calculating the data, it appears that it would take around 4-5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 4-5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. With solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, this initial period marks the beginning of many years of savings and environmentally friendly energy usage.
Investing in solar power in Houston Texas
In conclusion, investing in solar panels for your home in Houston, Texas, can be a wise financial decision. With above-average precipitation, high UV ratings, and optimal sunlight despite some cloud cover, the city provides a favorable environment for generating solar energy. Additionally, considering the higher electricity costs in Houston, the savings from using solar power can result in breaking even on the investment in just 4-5 years. This initial period marks the beginning of many years of cost savings and environmentally friendly energy usage. Ultimately, installing solar panels on your home can significantly reduce your electricity costs over time, making it a beneficial long-term investment.