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Solar and Electricity Data for Montgomery, WV: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Montgomery, WV at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.8/10 2.7/10 4.2/10 5.3/10 6.8/10
Not Bad 50% daily 5 inches monthly 4.2 on average 0.13/kw

Overview

In Montgomery, West Virginia, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over a year, we have determined that the average resident can break even on the cost of a solar system in just a few years. With high levels of sunshine and low cloud cover, the potential for savings on electricity bills is substantial. Read on to discover how investing in solar power can be a smart financial decision for you and your family.

Montgomery West Virginia Weather Trends

Montgomery Precipitation

With Montgomery, West Virginia receiving 54.66 inches of precipitation over the last year, it is evident that the area experiences a fair amount of rainfall. However, when compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Montgomery falls slightly above the average. In West Virginia, the average precipitation is 57.58 inches, placing Montgomery below the state average. Despite this, the ideal amount of rainfall in Montgomery makes it a suitable location for harnessing solar energy.

Montgomery’s UV Rating

Montgomery, West Virginia boasts an average UV rating of 4.19, indicating ample sunlight exposure. This places Montgomery in the 53rd percentile nationwide and the 80th percentile within West Virginia. When compared to the national average of 4.29, Montgomery’s slightly lower rating makes it a prime location for harnessing solar power. Additionally, the high max UV rating of 4.6 further emphasizes the solar potential in the area.

Montgomery’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 50% cloud cover, Montgomery, West Virginia experiences relatively clear skies, making it an optimal location for solar panel installation. While the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, Montgomery surpasses this figure. In West Virginia, the average cloud cover is 51.1%, placing Montgomery below the state average. With numerous days of minimal cloud cover, residents can maximize their solar energy production throughout the year.

Montgomery West Virginia Electricity Costs

Montgomery residents benefit from affordable electricity costs, paying approximately $0.13/kw. This places Montgomery in the 68th percentile in the nation and the 78th percentile in West Virginia. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw, Montgomery’s rates align closely with the average. Despite West Virginia’s lower average of $0.12/kw, Montgomery’s electricity costs remain competitive, making the transition to solar power a financially viable option for residents.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Montgomery, 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:

  • Montgomery, West Virginia receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
  • The UV ratings in Montgomery, West Virginia are just slightly lower than the national average, which is still good for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Montgomery, West Virginia is slightly higher than the national average, with varying degrees of cloudiness throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Montgomery, West Virginia pay the national average for electricity, at about $0.13/kw.

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:

  • Solar panels generate electricity, reducing the amount of electricity needed from the grid.
  • With the average electricity cost in Montgomery, West Virginia, the savings from using solar power can be significant.

After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 5 to 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Montgomery, West Virginia. This means that after 5 to 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to compensate for the investment. And don’t forget, solar panels have a long lifespan, so after the payback period, you’ll continue to enjoy savings for many years to come. Investing in solar energy is both economically and environmentally beneficial in the long run.

Investing in solar power in Montgomery West Virginia

With ample sunlight exposure, minimal cloud cover, and competitive electricity costs, investing in solar panels in Montgomery, West Virginia can lead to significant financial benefits. Residents can expect to break even on the initial cost of a solar system in just 5 to 6 years, with long-term savings and environmental advantages to follow. Making the switch to solar power is not only a smart financial decision, but also a sustainable choice for the future. Take advantage of Montgomery’s ideal conditions and start saving on electricity bills today.