Overview
In Normantown, West Virginia, installing solar panels on your home can save you money on your electricity bill. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area over a year, we can estimate how long it would take for a solar system to pay for itself through energy savings. With an overview of the financial benefits, we aim to show residents the potential for long-term savings by making the switch to solar energy.
Normantown West Virginia Weather Trends
Normantown Precipitation
In the last year, Normantown West Virginia received 60.78 inches of precipitation, placing it in the 72nd percentile in the nation and the 69th percentile in West Virginia. This is higher than the national average of 50.61 inches and slightly above West Virginia’s average of 57.58 inches. With such a high amount of precipitation, installing solar panels can help offset energy costs during cloudy or rainy days.
Normantown’s UV Rating
Over the last year, Normantown West Virginia had an average UV rating of 4.04, placing it in the 47th percentile in the nation and the 60th percentile in West Virginia. While this may seem moderate, it is slightly lower than the national average of 4.29. However, with an average max UV rating of 4.42, Normantown residents can still benefit from solar energy even on days with less intense sun exposure.
Normantown’s Cloud Cover
Normantown West Virginia had an average cloud cover of 51% over the last year, placing it in the 75th percentile in the nation and the 37th percentile in West Virginia. While the percentage is higher than the national average of 44.46%, it is lower than the state average of 51.1%. With a mix of cloud cover throughout the year, solar panels can still generate significant energy savings for residents of Normantown.
Normantown West Virginia Electricity Costs
On average, Normantown West Virginia residents pay about $0.11/kw for electricity, ranking the town in the 35th percentile in the nation and the 33rd percentile in West Virginia. While this is lower than the national average of $0.13/kw, it is slightly higher than the state average of $0.12/kw. By investing in solar panels, residents can further reduce their electricity costs over time and take advantage of the sunny days Normantown experiences.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Normantown West Virginia?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Normantown, 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:
- Normantown receives more precipitation compared to the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Normantown are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Normantown is slightly higher than the national average, with varying degrees of cloudiness throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Normantown 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 solar system generates electricity, reducing the amount purchased from the grid.
- With the slightly lower electricity rates in Normantown, the savings might take longer compared to areas with higher rates.
After analyzing the data, it seems like it could take around 6-7 years for the savings on electricity bills to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, you will start seeing the returns on your investment, and continue to save on electricity costs for many years as solar panels have a long lifespan. Investing in solar power is both financially beneficial and environmentally friendly in the long run!
Investing in solar power in Normantown West Virginia
After evaluating the weather trends and electricity costs in Normantown, West Virginia, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings for residents. Despite higher precipitation and cloudy days, solar panels can still generate enough energy to offset electricity costs, especially with slightly lower rates in the town. By breaking even on the initial cost of solar installation within about 6-7 years, residents can enjoy years of reduced electricity bills and environmentally friendly energy production. Making the switch to solar power in Normantown is not only financially advantageous but also a sustainable choice for the future.