Overview
Are you tired of high electricity bills in North East Pennsylvania? Installing solar panels on your home can help you save money in the long run. In this article, we will break down the financial benefits of switching to solar power by analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the region. By looking at the average cost of a solar system and estimating the time it will take to break even, you can see how investing in solar panels can be a smart decision for your wallet.
North East Pennsylvania Weather Trends
North East Precipitation
With North East Pennsylvania receiving 61.34 inches of precipitation in the last year, you may be surprised to learn that this puts the region above the national average of 50.61 inches. Additionally, it surpasses Pennsylvania’s average of 59.53 inches. By harnessing this natural resource with solar panels, you can take advantage of the abundant rainfall compared to other areas of the country and the state.
North East’s UV Rating
Considering North East Pennsylvania’s average UV rating of 3.31 in the past year, it falls below both the national average of 4.29 and Pennsylvania’s average of 3.82. However, the region’s max UV rating of 3.43 is still lower than the national and state averages. By utilizing solar panels, you can make the most of the sunlight available, even though it may be slightly lower compared to other areas.
North East’s Cloud Cover
Despite North East Pennsylvania having an average of 56% cloud cover in the last year, ranking in the 91st percentile in the nation and the 79th percentile in the state, there are still plenty of clear days for solar energy production. With 63 days featuring minimal cloud cover and 119 days with high cloud cover, there are ample opportunities to generate solar power efficiently throughout the year, even with the higher cloud cover percentage compared to the national and state averages.
North East Pennsylvania Electricity Costs
When it comes to electricity costs, North East Pennsylvania residents pay about $0.14 per kilowatt-hour, which is higher than both the national average of $0.13/kw and Pennsylvania’s average of $0.13/kw. By investing in solar panels, you can combat high electricity prices and potentially save money in the long run. Despite the higher cost compared to other areas, the financial benefits of solar energy still far outweigh traditional energy sources.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in North East Pennsylvania?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in North East 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:
- North East Pennsylvania receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in North East Pennsylvania are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in North East Pennsylvania is higher than the national average, with varying percentages throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in North East Pennsylvania pay slightly more 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 need to purchase as much from the grid.
- Since North East Pennsylvania has slightly higher electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are higher.
After calculations, it appears that it would take approximately 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. Remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so after the initial period, you can enjoy those savings for many years. It’s a smart investment for both your wallet and the environment!
Investing in solar power in North East Pennsylvania
After analyzing the weather data and electricity costs specific to North East Pennsylvania, it is clear that investing in solar panels can be a wise financial decision. With the region receiving ample precipitation and sunlight, along with slightly higher electricity costs compared to national averages, solar panels offer significant long-term savings. By estimating a break-even period of around 7 years for a standard 10kW system, it is evident that switching to solar power can help you save money and benefit the environment for many years to come. Make the smart choice for your wallet and consider installing solar panels on your home today!