Overview
In Lewistown, Pennsylvania, homeowners can benefit financially by choosing to install solar panels on their homes. By analyzing weather data such as precipitation levels, UV ratings, and cloud cover, along with basic electricity costs in the area, we can estimate the cost of a solar system and project how long it will take to break even. This article will provide a breakdown of the financial benefits of installing solar panels in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, helping residents make an informed decision to go solar.
Lewistown Pennsylvania Weather Trends
Lewistown Precipitation
In the last year, Lewistown Pennsylvania received 51 inches of precipitation, making it comparable to the national average of 50.61 inches. While this may seem average on a national level, compared to the rest of Pennsylvania, Lewistown falls below the state average of 59.53 inches. With a slightly lower precipitation rate, residents can take advantage of the moderate weather conditions to maximize the efficiency of their solar panels.
Lewistown’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 3.73, Lewistown Pennsylvania experiences levels lower than both the national average of 4.29 and the Pennsylvania average of 3.82. While this may indicate less intense sunlight exposure, it also means less wear and tear on your solar panels, resulting in longer-lasting and more efficient energy production. Despite lower UV ratings compared to the national and state averages, solar panels can still generate significant energy savings for homeowners in Lewistown.
Lewistown’s Cloud Cover
Throughout the year, Lewistown Pennsylvania experiences an average of 51% cloud cover, which is higher than the national average of 44.46% but slightly lower than the state average of 51.8%. With a range of cloud cover percentages, residents can make use of both sunny and partly cloudy days to harness solar energy. By strategically installing solar panels, homeowners can generate electricity even on days with varying cloud cover percentages, maximizing energy savings throughout the year.
Lewistown Pennsylvania Electricity Costs
Residents in Lewistown Pennsylvania pay approximately $0.14/kw for electricity, slightly higher than both the national average of $0.13/kw and the Pennsylvania average of $0.13/kw. Despite the slightly higher electricity costs, opting for solar panels can provide long-term financial benefits by significantly reducing or eliminating monthly electricity bills. By investing in solar energy, homeowners can take control of their energy expenses and contribute to a more sustainable future for Lewistown and beyond.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Lewistown Pennsylvania?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Lewistown, 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:
- Lewistown received slightly more rain than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Lewistown are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Lewistown is slightly higher than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Lewistown 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 needed from the grid.
- Due to higher electricity rates in Lewistown, the savings are significant.
After calculations, it appears that it would take approximately 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after that period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. Moreover, considering the longevity of solar panels, the savings will continue for many years. Investing in solar power not only leads to financial advantages but also contributes to environmental sustainability.
Investing in solar power in Lewistown Pennsylvania
Based on the analysis of weather trends and electricity costs in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, it is clear that installing solar panels can provide significant financial benefits for homeowners in the area. Despite slightly higher precipitation levels and lower UV ratings compared to national and state averages, residents can still take advantage of moderate weather conditions to maximize energy savings. With electricity costs slightly above national and state averages, investing in solar panels can lead to long-term financial advantages by reducing or eliminating monthly electricity bills. By estimating a break-even period of 6-7 years for a standard 10kW solar system and considering the system’s longevity, homeowners in Lewistown can make an informed decision to go solar and contribute to a more sustainable future for their community and beyond.