Overview
If you’re a Matewan West Virginia resident looking to save money on your electricity bills, installing solar panels on your home could be a great financial decision. By analyzing weather data specific to Matewan, such as precipitation levels, UV ratings, and cloud cover, we can estimate how much energy your solar system would generate throughout the year, leading to potential savings on your electricity costs. With a breakdown of the costs of a solar system and an estimation of how long it would take to break even, this article will show you the financial benefits of going solar in Matewan.
Matewan West Virginia Weather Trends
Matewan Precipitation
With Matewan West Virginia receiving 52.81 inches of precipitation last year, it is important to note that this puts the town in the 54th percentile in the nation and the 28th percentile in West Virginia. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Matewan experiences slightly more rainfall. However, the state’s average total precipitation of 57.58 inches is higher than Matewan’s, making solar energy an efficient and cost-saving option for residents.
Matewan’s UV Rating
Last year Matewan West Virginia had an average UV rating of 4.19, ranking it in the 53rd percentile in the nation and the 80th percentile in West Virginia. Compared to the national average of 4.29, Matewan’s UV rating is slightly lower. However, West Virginia’s average UV rating of 4.01 is even lower, indicating that Matewan receives sufficient sunlight for solar panel energy generation. With an average max UV rating of 4.56, Matewan is well-positioned to benefit from solar energy.
Matewan’s Cloud Cover
Having an average of 48% cloud cover last year, Matewan West Virginia falls in the 68th percentile in the nation and the 16th percentile in West Virginia. While this means Matewan experiences more cloud cover than the national and state averages, the town still has ample sunny days for effective solar energy production. With a distribution of cloud cover across different types of days, Matewan residents can rely on solar panels for consistent energy savings.
Matewan West Virginia Electricity Costs
Matewan residents pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, which positions the town in the 68th percentile in the nation and the 78th percentile in West Virginia. While the national average for residential electricity matches Matewan’s rate, West Virginia’s average of $0.12/kw is slightly lower. By investing in solar panels, residents can not only reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources but also save money in the long run, taking advantage of Matewan’s electricity costs.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Matewan West Virginia?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Matewan, 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:
- Matewan, West Virginia receives slightly more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Matewan, West Virginia are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Matewan, West Virginia is slightly higher than the national average, with variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Matewan, West Virginia 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, reducing the amount needed from the grid and saving money on electricity bills.
- Since Matewan, West Virginia has average electricity costs, the savings will be in line with the national average.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7-8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to exceed the initial investment. Keep in mind that solar panels have a long lifespan, so after that initial period, you’ll continue to benefit from the savings for many years. It’s a wise investment that not only saves money but also contributes to a cleaner environment!
Investing in solar power in Matewan West Virginia
Installing solar panels in Matewan, West Virginia can lead to significant financial benefits for residents. By analyzing factors such as precipitation levels, UV ratings, cloud cover, and electricity costs specific to Matewan, we can estimate the potential savings from using solar energy. With a thorough breakdown of the costs and the expected time to break even on the investment, it is clear that going solar in Matewan is a smart financial decision that can lead to long-term savings. Embracing solar power not only helps save money on electricity bills but also contributes to a cleaner environment for future generations.