Overview
Have you ever considered the financial benefits of installing solar panels on your home in Lochgelly, West Virginia? By analyzing weather data specific to your area, we can show you how much money you could save on electricity costs each year. With the average cost of a solar system in mind, we estimate how quickly you can break even and start enjoying the benefits of renewable energy. Let’s explore how going solar can positively impact your wallet and the environment.
Lochgelly West Virginia Weather Trends
Lochgelly Precipitation
In the last year, Lochgelly West Virginia received 66.07 inches of precipitation, placing it in the 82nd percentile in the nation and the 89th percentile in West Virginia. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and West Virginia’s average of 57.58 inches, Lochgelly experiences more rainfall. Harnessing this abundant natural resource through solar panels can help you capitalize on the rainy weather and save on electricity costs.
Lochgelly’s UV Rating
Lochgelly West Virginia had an average UV rating of 3.82 in the last year, ranking it in the 37th percentile in the nation and the 31st percentile in West Virginia. While the national average UV rating is 4.29 and West Virginia’s is 4.01, Lochgelly experiences moderate levels of UV rays. With solar panels, you can take advantage of the sun’s energy despite the slightly lower UV ratings in your area.
Lochgelly’s Cloud Cover
In the last year, Lochgelly West Virginia had an average of 53% cloud cover, positioning it in the 83rd percentile in the nation and the 68th percentile in West Virginia. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and West Virginia’s average of 51.1%, Lochgelly has more cloudy days. However, solar panels can still generate electricity on cloudy days, making it a viable option to reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources.
Lochgelly West Virginia Electricity Costs
Lochgelly residents pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, placing them in the 68th percentile in the nation and the 78th percentile in West Virginia. While the national average for residential electricity is also $0.13/kw, West Virginia’s average is slightly lower at $0.12/kw. By installing solar panels, you can offset these electricity costs and potentially even generate excess energy to sell back to the grid, providing you with long-term financial benefits.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Lochgelly West Virginia?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Lochgelly, West 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:
- Lochgelly receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Lochgelly are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still sufficient for generating solar power.
- The cloud cover in Lochgelly is higher than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Lochgelly pay the national average price for electricity.
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 less need to purchase from the grid.
- With Lochgelly’s electricity rates, the savings will gradually pay off the initial investment.
After doing the calculations, it appears that it would take approximately 12 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 12 years, the money saved on electricity bills will surpass the initial investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you’ll continue saving money for many years beyond that point. Investing in solar panels not only saves you money in the long run but also contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
Investing in solar power in Lochgelly West Virginia
Installing solar panels in Lochgelly, West Virginia can be a financially beneficial decision, considering the weather trends and electricity costs in the area. With the right combination of precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover, solar panels can effectively generate electricity and help you save on energy costs. By analyzing the data, it is estimated that it would take approximately 12 years to break even on the investment, after which you can enjoy continued savings and contribute to a cleaner environment. So, if you’re looking to reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources and secure long-term financial benefits, going solar in Lochgelly might be the right choice for you.