Overview
In Normal, Alabama, installing solar panels on your home can provide significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs in the area, we can show you how much money you can save by switching to solar energy. With the right system, you could break even on your investment sooner than you might think, making solar panels a smart choice for your home and your wallet.
Normal Alabama Weather Trends
Normal Precipitation
With Normal receiving 64.8 inches of precipitation last year, it falls in the 80th percentile in the nation and the 47th percentile in Alabama. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Normal sees more rainfall. However, when looking at the state, Alabama’s average of 66.86 inches is higher than in Normal, making it a great location for harnessing solar energy.
Normal’s UV Rating
Normal’s average UV rating of 4.72 places it in the 71st percentile across the country and the 9th percentile within Alabama. The national average for UV rating is 4.29, indicating that Normal enjoys relatively high levels of sunlight. Although Alabama’s average UV rating of 5.16 is slightly higher, Normal still offers plenty of sunlight for the efficient operation of solar panels.
Normal’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 44% cloud cover in Normal, it falls in the 49th percentile nationally and the 78th percentile within Alabama. While the national average cloud cover is similar at 44.46%, Alabama’s lower average cloud cover of 43.57% makes Normal a favorable location for solar energy generation. The distribution of cloud cover days also provides a good balance for consistent solar panel performance throughout the year.
Normal Alabama Electricity Costs
Residents of Normal pay around $0.1/kw for electricity, placing them in the 11th percentile across the nation and the 2nd percentile within Alabama. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw, Normal offers lower electricity costs, making the switch to solar panels even more enticing. Although Alabama’s average electricity cost matches the national average, Normal’s lower rate makes it an ideal choice for investing in solar energy.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Normal Alabama?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Normal 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:
- Normal Alabama receives more precipitation than the national average, but still has enough sunshine for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Normal Alabama are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Normal Alabama is close to the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Normal Alabama pay slightly less 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.
- With lower electricity rates in Normal Alabama, the savings may take longer to cover the initial cost.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it may take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Normal Alabama. This means that after that initial period, you will start to see savings on your electricity bills, and with the long lifespan of solar panels, you will continue to enjoy those savings for many years to come. Investing in solar panels is not only a smart financial decision, but also a way to contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
Investing in solar power in Normal Alabama
By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Normal, Alabama, it is clear that installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. With higher than average UV ratings and lower electricity costs, Normal provides an ideal environment for harnessing solar energy. Based on the data, it is estimated that it may take around 7-8 years to break even on the initial cost of solar panel installation. This investment not only offers long-term savings on electricity bills but also contributes to a more sustainable future. Making the switch to solar energy in Normal, Alabama is not only a smart choice for your wallet, but also for the environment.