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Solar and Electricity Data for Morehead City, NC: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Morehead City, NC at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.5/10 4.9/10 0.5/10 7.7/10 4.5/10
Not Bad 44% daily 6 inches monthly 4.9 on average 0.12/kw

Overview

Discover how installing solar panels on your home in Morehead City, North Carolina can lead to significant financial savings over time. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we will show you how your investment in solar can pay off in the long run. Learn about the average amount of precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover in Morehead City, as well as the cost of a solar system and the estimated time it will take for you to break even on your investment.

Morehead City North Carolina Weather Trends

Morehead City Precipitation

With Morehead City receiving 75.45 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is evident that the area sees a significant amount of rainfall. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Morehead City stands in the 95th percentile in the nation and the 89th percentile in North Carolina. This high level of precipitation makes Morehead City an ideal location for harnessing solar energy, as rainy days provide opportunities for storing energy for later use.

Morehead City’s UV Rating

Morehead City’s average UV rating of 4.94 in the last year places it in the 77th percentile in the nation and the 76th percentile in North Carolina. Compared to the national average of 4.29, Morehead City enjoys relatively high levels of sunlight exposure. This means that residents can benefit from increased energy production from solar panels throughout the year, helping to offset electricity costs and reduce reliance on the grid.

Morehead City’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 44% cloud cover in the last year, Morehead City falls in the 51st percentile in the nation and the 83rd percentile in North Carolina. Despite some cloud coverage, Morehead City experiences a substantial number of clear days, providing ample sunlight for solar energy production. Residents can take advantage of these sunny days to generate clean and renewable energy for their homes, contributing to a greener environment and lower utility bills.

Morehead City North Carolina Electricity Costs

Residents of Morehead City pay around $0.12/kw for electricity, placing the city in the 45th percentile in the nation and the 25th percentile in North Carolina. With electricity costs on par with the state average and below the national average of $0.13/kw, switching to solar power can lead to significant savings over time. By investing in solar panels, homeowners can lock in lower energy costs and reduce their reliance on traditional utility providers, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and cost-effective energy solution.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Morehead City North Carolina?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Morehead City, North Carolina, 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:

  • Morehead City receives more precipitation than the national average, which can impact solar panel efficiency.
  • The UV ratings in Morehead City are higher than the national average, indicating good conditions for generating solar power.
  • The cloud cover in Morehead City is around the national average, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Morehead City pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which can affect the savings from using solar power.

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.
  • Considering Morehead City’s lower electricity rates, the savings may not be as significant as in other areas.

After doing the calculations, it looks like it may take around 12 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Morehead City. This means, after 12 years, the savings on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and pay off the investment. Since solar panels last for a long time, you can enjoy those savings for many years beyond the break-even point. It’s a wise investment for saving money and contributing to a greener environment!

Investing in solar power in Morehead City North Carolina

By analyzing the weather data, electricity costs, and solar panel investment in Morehead City, North Carolina, it is clear that installing solar panels can lead to significant financial savings over time. With high precipitation levels, good UV ratings, and moderate cloud cover, Morehead City provides an ideal environment for harnessing solar energy. Additionally, residents pay lower electricity costs compared to the national average, making the switch to solar a cost-effective solution. Taking into account these factors, it is estimated that it may take around 12 years to break even on the initial investment in solar panels. Beyond that point, homeowners can enjoy continued savings on their utility bills while contributing to a greener, more sustainable future. Installing solar panels in Morehead City is not only a wise financial decision but also an environmentally friendly choice.