Overview
Thinking about installing solar panels on your home in Mobile, Alabama? You’re in the right place! In this article, we will break down the financial benefits of going solar in Mobile, using weather data and electricity costs specific to the area. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of how much money you can save and how long it will take to break even on your investment. Let’s dive in and see why going solar is a smart choice for Mobile residents.
Mobile Alabama Weather Trends
Mobile Precipitation
With Mobile, Alabama receiving 77.2 inches of precipitation in the last year, it’s clear that the area sees a lot of rain. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Mobile is in the 96th percentile in the country. Although Alabama’s average is slightly higher at 66.86 inches, Mobile still stands out. By harnessing the power of solar panels, residents can take advantage of this abundance of natural water resources to generate clean and renewable energy.
Mobile’s UV Rating
Mobile, Alabama boasts an average UV rating of 5.65, placing it in the 91st percentile nationally and the 93rd percentile within the state. Compared to the national average of 4.29, Mobile’s UV rating stands out as well. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 5.98, Mobile residents can capitalize on the sun’s intensity to produce electricity from solar panels. By investing in solar energy, homeowners can benefit from the plentiful sunshine in Mobile and reduce their reliance on traditional power sources.
Mobile’s Cloud Cover
Despite experiencing an average of 42% cloud cover in the last year, Mobile is positioned in the 37th percentile nationally and the 23rd percentile within Alabama. With varying degrees of cloud cover throughout the year, Mobile residents can still generate solar power efficiently thanks to advancements in technology. By leveraging solar panels, homeowners can ensure a steady source of clean energy even on partly cloudy days, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Mobile Alabama Electricity Costs
Mobile residents pay about $0.14/kw for electricity, placing the city in the 81st percentile nationally and the 93rd percentile in Alabama. While the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, Mobile’s costs are slightly higher. By installing solar panels, homeowners can offset these electricity expenses and potentially even earn credits through net metering. With the rising costs of traditional electricity, going solar in Mobile is a smart financial choice for both short-term savings and long-term sustainability.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Mobile Alabama?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Mobile, Alabama, 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:
- Mobile received more precipitation than the national average, which can affect solar panel efficiency, but it still gets enough sun for the panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Mobile are higher than the national average, which is great for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Mobile is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Mobile pay a bit 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, which saves money.
- With higher electricity rates in Mobile, the savings are even more significant.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means, after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so after the initial period, you’ll continue to enjoy those savings for many years. It’s a smart way to save money and be environmentally friendly at the same time!
Investing in solar power in Mobile Alabama
With Mobile, Alabama’s favorable weather conditions for solar energy production and slightly higher electricity costs compared to the national average, investing in solar panels in Mobile is a financially sound decision. By taking advantage of the abundant sunshine, residents can expect to break even on their investment in approximately 6 years. After that initial period, the savings on electricity bills will continue for many years, making solar energy a smart and sustainable choice for Mobile homeowners.