Overview
In Howard, Pennsylvania, installing solar panels on your home can be a smart financial decision. By analyzing data on weather patterns and electricity costs specific to the area, we can estimate how long it will take for a solar system to pay for itself. With the amount of sunlight the area receives, along with the potential savings on electricity bills, investing in solar panels could help you save money in the long run.
Howard Pennsylvania Weather Trends
Howard Precipitation
With an average of 53.71 inches of precipitation in the last year, Howard, Pennsylvania ranks in the 56th percentile in the nation and the 24th percentile in Pennsylvania. Comparing it to the national average of 50.61 inches and Pennsylvania’s average of 59.53 inches, Howard’s precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
Howard’s UV Rating
Howard, Pennsylvania boasts an average UV rating of 3.57, placing it in the 22nd percentile in the nation and the 35th percentile in Pennsylvania. Comparing this to the national average of 4.29 and Pennsylvania’s average of 3.82, Howard’s UV rating indicates plenty of sun exposure for efficient solar panel energy production.
Howard’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 53% cloud cover in the last year, Howard, Pennsylvania ranks in the 84th percentile in the nation and the 54th percentile in Pennsylvania. Comparing this to the national average of 44.46% and Pennsylvania’s average of 51.8%, Howard has a significant number of sunny days perfect for solar energy collection.
Howard Pennsylvania Electricity Costs
Howard residents pay about $0.12/kw for electricity, placing them in the 51st percentile in the nation and the 10th percentile in Pennsylvania. Comparing this to the national average of $0.13/kw and Pennsylvania’s average of $0.13/kw, Howard’s relatively lower electricity costs make solar panel installation a financially sound investment for long-term savings.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Howard Pennsylvania?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Howard 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:
- Howard Pennsylvania receives slightly more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Howard Pennsylvania are a bit lower than the national average, but they are still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Howard Pennsylvania is slightly higher than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Howard Pennsylvania pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, at $0.12/kw.
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, especially with the slightly lower electricity costs in Howard Pennsylvania.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 8-10 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. And remember, solar panels last for a long time, so after that initial period, residents will continue to enjoy those savings for many years to come. It’s a smart way to save money and contribute to a greener environment!
Investing in solar power in Howard Pennsylvania
Installing solar panels in Howard, Pennsylvania seems to be a wise financial choice. With the area’s ample sunlight, lower electricity costs, and average precipitation and cloud cover, solar panel systems can pay for themselves in about 8-10 years. After that initial investment period, residents can enjoy long-term savings on electricity bills and help create a more sustainable environment. Investing in solar panels in Howard can lead to a brighter, more cost-effective future.