Overview
If you’re a Norfolk Virginia resident looking to save money on your electricity bill, installing solar panels on your home could be a smart financial move. By analyzing data on weather patterns and electricity costs specific to Norfolk, we can show you how much money you could potentially save by switching to solar power. This article will break down the cost of a solar system, estimate how long it will take to break even, and demonstrate the financial benefits of making the switch to solar energy.
Norfolk Virginia Weather Trends
Norfolk Precipitation
With Norfolk receiving 59.91 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is in the 70th percentile in the nation and the 74th percentile in Virginia. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Norfolk sees a bit more rain. However, Virginia’s average of 56.77 inches surpasses Norfolk’s. Despite this, the occasional rainfall won’t hinder the savings potential of solar panels.
Norfolk’s UV Rating
At an average UV rating of 4.69, Norfolk ranks in the 70th percentile in the nation and the 90th percentile in Virginia. While it may not be the sunniest city, the steady UV ratings show consistent sunlight for solar energy generation. The national average of 4.29 is slightly lower than Norfolk’s, but Virginia’s 4.41 is even closer. The average max UV rating of 4.97 further enhances the solar potential in Norfolk.
Norfolk’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 42% cloud cover, Norfolk is in the 40th percentile in the nation and the 22nd percentile in Virginia. The lower cloud cover compared to the national and state averages makes Norfolk a prime location for solar power generation. The variety of cloud cover throughout the year provides a good balance for consistent energy production, making solar panels a reliable source of savings in Norfolk.
Norfolk Virginia Electricity Costs
Residents in Norfolk pay about $0.12/kw for electricity, placing the city in the 57th percentile in the nation and the 50th percentile in Virginia. The cost is slightly lower than the national average of $0.13/kw, but matches Virginia’s average. With solar panels, homeowners can offset these electricity costs, making the switch to solar a financially wise decision in Norfolk.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Norfolk Virginia?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Norfolk, 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:
- Norfolk, Virginia gets more precipitation than the national average, but still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Norfolk are slightly above the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Norfolk is slightly below the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Norfolk pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, at $0.12/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:
- The system generates electricity and reduces the amount needed from the grid, saving money on monthly electricity bills.
- Due to the lower electricity costs in Norfolk, the savings from solar power are slightly less compared to areas with higher electricity rates.
Based on the calculations, it is estimated that it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Norfolk, Virginia. After this period, the savings on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and offset the investment cost. Since solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, the long-term savings and benefits of using solar energy in Norfolk are worth the initial investment. It’s a smart financial decision that also promotes sustainability and environmental conservation.
Investing in solar power in Norfolk Virginia
Switching to solar energy in Norfolk, Virginia can lead to significant long-term savings on electricity bills. With favorable weather conditions and slightly lower electricity costs compared to national averages, investing in a solar system can break even in as little as 6-7 years. The financial benefits of utilizing solar power not only make economic sense but also contribute to sustainable energy practices and environmental conservation. Making the switch to solar panels is a smart financial move that promises a bright future for Norfolk residents.