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Solar and Electricity Data for New Bethlehem, PA: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

New Bethlehem, PA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.1/10 3.1/10 1.3/10 9.1/10 6.8/10
Not Bad 49% daily 6 inches monthly 5.7 on average 0.13/kw

Overview

Are you a New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been searching for. In this article, we will break down the financial benefits of solar energy based on local weather data and electricity costs. By analyzing the cost of a solar system and estimating the time it will take to break even, we will show you how going solar can put money back in your pocket.

New Bethlehem Pennsylvania Weather Trends

New Bethlehem Precipitation

New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania receives a significant amount of precipitation, with 69.12 inches falling in the last year. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, New Bethlehem is in the 87th percentile in the nation. Despite this, Pennsylvania’s average total precipitation is 59.53 inches, placing New Bethlehem in the 88th percentile in the state. With ample rainfall, harnessing solar energy can be a smart investment for your home.

New Bethlehem’s UV Rating

New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania enjoys a high average UV rating of 5.65, positioning it in the 91st percentile nationwide. In comparison, the national average UV rating is 4.29, showcasing the favorable conditions for solar energy in New Bethlehem. With an average max UV rating of 5.79, New Bethlehem surpasses both the national and state averages, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation to maximize energy production.

New Bethlehem’s Cloud Cover

Despite New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania having an average of 49% cloud cover, it sits in the 69th percentile nationally. However, in Pennsylvania, it falls in the 32nd percentile, indicating relatively clear skies conducive to solar energy generation. With varying cloud cover percentages throughout the year, residents can still benefit from solar power and save on their electricity bills.

New Bethlehem Pennsylvania Electricity Costs

New Bethlehem residents pay a competitive rate of $0.13/kw for electricity, aligning with the national average. Although the town is in the 68th percentile nationwide for electricity costs, it falls slightly lower in the state at the 42nd percentile. By investing in solar panels, residents can take advantage of the abundant sunshine and reduce their dependency on traditional grid electricity, ultimately saving money in the long run.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in New Bethlehem Pennsylvania?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in New Bethlehem, 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:

  • New Bethlehem gets more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
  • The UV ratings in New Bethlehem are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
  • The cloud cover in New Bethlehem is slightly higher than the national average, with some days having more cloud cover than others.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in New Bethlehem pay an average of $0.13/kw for electricity, which is in line with 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 and saving money on electricity bills.
  • Given the average electricity costs in New Bethlehem, the savings from using solar power will help in recouping the initial investment.

Based on the cost breakdown and the weather data, it is estimated that it would take around 5 to 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. After this period, the savings from reduced electricity bills will start adding up, making the investment worthwhile. And remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so the savings will continue for many years to come. It’s a smart financial decision that also contributes to a cleaner environment!

Investing in solar power in New Bethlehem Pennsylvania

In conclusion, installing solar panels in New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania can be a great way to save money on electricity bills. With high UV ratings, ample sunlight, and competitive electricity costs, residents can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels within 5 to 6 years. Not only will this save money in the long run, but it also promotes sustainability and contributes to a cleaner environment. Consider harnessing the power of solar energy and start putting money back in your pocket today!