Overview
Are you a Mercer resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the answer! By analyzing weather data specific to Mercer, Pennsylvania, and considering the cost of a solar system, we can estimate how long it will take for you to break even on your investment. With the potential financial benefits in mind, let’s delve into the details of why going solar in Mercer may be a smart decision for you.
Mercer Pennsylvania Weather Trends
Mercer Precipitation
With Mercer receiving 62.49 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is evident that the area experiences a significant amount of rainfall. Compared to the rest of the country, Mercer falls in the 75th percentile, showcasing its above-average precipitation levels. In Pennsylvania, Mercer ranks in the 71st percentile for total precipitation. Considering the national average of 50.61 inches and Pennsylvania’s average of 59.53 inches, Mercer’s higher precipitation levels provide ample opportunities for solar panels to generate electricity even on cloudy and rainy days.
Mercer’s UV Rating
When it comes to UV rating, Mercer Pennsylvania had an average UV rating of 3.52 in the last year. This places Mercer in the 20th percentile nationwide and the 31st percentile within Pennsylvania. With the national average UV rating at 4.29 and Pennsylvania’s average at 3.82, Mercer may seem to receive less sunlight. However, considering an average max UV rating of 3.81, which falls in the 26th percentile nationally and the 32nd percentile in Pennsylvania, there is still plenty of sunlight available in Mercer for solar panels to capture and convert into electricity.
Mercer’s Cloud Cover
Over the last year, Mercer Pennsylvania experienced an average cloud cover of 57%. This places Mercer in the 91st percentile in the nation and the 80th percentile within Pennsylvania. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and Pennsylvania’s average of 51.8%, Mercer tends to have more cloud cover. Despite this, Mercer had a considerable number of days with varying cloud cover percentages. These fluctuations allow for moments of optimal sunlight exposure for solar panels to function efficiently.
Mercer Pennsylvania Electricity Costs
Residents in Mercer, Pennsylvania, pay around $0.13/kw for electricity. This places Mercer in the 69th percentile in the nation and the 45th percentile within Pennsylvania in terms of electricity costs. With the national and state averages also standing at $0.13/kw, Mercer residents have the opportunity to save significantly on electricity bills by switching to solar energy. Installing solar panels can provide long-term financial benefits by reducing reliance on traditional grid-based electricity and stabilizing energy costs over time.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Mercer Pennsylvania?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Mercer 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:
- Mercer Pennsylvania receives more rainfall compared to the national average, which can impact solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Mercer Pennsylvania are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Mercer Pennsylvania is higher than the national average, with variations throughout the year that can affect solar panel performance.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Mercer Pennsylvania pay about the same for electricity as 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 purchased from the grid and saving money.
- With electricity costs in Mercer Pennsylvania, the savings from using solar power can be significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Mercer Pennsylvania. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate, making the investment worthwhile. Additionally, considering the long lifespan of solar panels, the savings will continue to grow over the years. Investing in solar panels is both a cost-effective and environmentally friendly decision for residents of Mercer Pennsylvania.
Investing in solar power in Mercer Pennsylvania
Overall, installing solar panels in Mercer, Pennsylvania, can be a financially beneficial decision for residents. Despite higher levels of rainfall and cloud cover compared to the national averages, the area still receives enough sunlight for solar panels to generate electricity efficiently. With electricity costs in Mercer being on par with the national average, investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings on energy bills. By breaking down the costs and analyzing the data, it is estimated that residents could recoup their initial investment in solar panels within 7-8 years. This initial payback period, followed by long-term savings and environmental benefits, makes installing solar panels in Mercer Pennsylvania a smart choice for homeowners looking to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.