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Solar and Electricity Data for Lexington, VA: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Lexington, VA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.4/10 5.2/10 5.2/10 5.8/10 5.7/10
Not Bad 44% daily 4 inches monthly 4.3 on average 0.12/kw

Overview

If you live in Lexington, Virginia, and are looking for a way to save money on your electricity bills, installing solar panels on your home could be a great solution for you. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Lexington, we can show you just how much money you can save over time by making the switch to solar energy. With a breakdown of the cost of a solar system and an estimate of how long it will take to break even, you’ll see how investing in solar panels can benefit your wallet in the long run.

Lexington Virginia Weather Trends

Lexington Precipitation

With 49.87 inches of precipitation in the last year, Lexington Virginia falls below the national average of 50.61 inches. When compared to the rest of Virginia, Lexington is also below the state average of 56.77 inches. This means that Lexington’s weather conditions are conducive to solar energy production as there is enough sunlight for efficient solar panel operation.

Lexington’s UV Rating

Lexington Virginia’s average UV rating of 4.3 places it above the national average of 4.29, indicating strong sunlight that can be harnessed by solar panels. In comparison to the rest of Virginia, Lexington’s UV rating falls slightly below the state average of 4.41. With an average max UV rating of 4.72, Lexington is positioned well for optimal solar energy generation.

Lexington’s Cloud Cover

At an average cloud cover of 44%, Lexington Virginia sees slightly less cloud cover compared to the national average of 44.46%. When looking at Virginia as a whole, Lexington is below the state average of 44.78%. With a good number of days featuring low to moderate cloud cover, residents can expect consistent solar energy production throughout the year.

Lexington Virginia Electricity Costs

Residential electricity costs in Lexington Virginia are around $0.12/kw, which is on par with the state average. However, when compared to the national average of $0.13/kw, Lexington residents are already saving on their electricity bills. By switching to solar panels, homeowners can further reduce their energy costs and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Lexington Virginia?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Lexington Virginia, 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:

  • Lexington Virginia receives slightly less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Lexington Virginia are slightly higher than the national average, which is great for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Lexington Virginia is around the national average, varying throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Lexington Virginia pay slightly less 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 and saving money.
  • Since Lexington Virginia has slightly lower electricity rates, the savings may be slightly less compared to the national average.

After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Lexington Virginia. This means that after 8 years, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so you can continue to enjoy these savings for many years. Investing in solar power not only saves money but also supports a cleaner and more sustainable energy source.

Investing in solar power in Lexington Virginia

Installing solar panels in Lexington, Virginia is a smart choice for saving money on electricity bills in the long run. By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to the area, it is evident that solar energy is a viable and cost-effective option for residents. With favorable weather conditions for solar panel operation and slightly lower electricity costs compared to the national average, investing in solar panels could lead to significant savings over time. By breaking down the costs and estimating the time to break even on the investment, it is clear that choosing solar energy not only benefits your wallet but also contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable environment for future generations.