Solar By City

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

Philadelphia, PA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4/10 5/10 2.8/10 5.6/10 6.7/10
Not Bad 44% daily 5 inches monthly 4.2 on average 0.13/kw

Overview

Discover the financial benefits of installing solar panels on your home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we will show you how much you can save on your electricity bills each year. We will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take to break even, allowing you to make an informed decision about investing in solar energy for your home.

Philadelphia Pennsylvania Weather Trends

Philadelphia Precipitation

With Philadelphia experiencing 61.05 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the city sees a fair amount of rain. However, this puts Philadelphia above the national average of 50.61 inches, but below the Pennsylvania average of 59.53 inches. Despite this, the ample precipitation in the area can help keep your solar panels clean and operating efficiently.

Philadelphia’s UV Rating

Philadelphia’s average UV rating of 4.24 indicates a moderate level of sun exposure. While this is slightly below the national average of 4.29, it surpasses Pennsylvania’s average of 3.82. With an average max UV rating of 4.59, Philadelphia offers enough sunlight to generate significant solar energy for your home.

Philadelphia’s Cloud Cover

Philadelphia’s average of 44% cloud cover positions it right around the national average of 44.46%, but below Pennsylvania’s average of 51.8%. With a good balance of sunny and cloudy days, Philadelphia provides the ideal conditions for consistent solar energy production throughout the year.

Philadelphia Pennsylvania Electricity Costs

Philadelphia residents pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, making it an affordable option compared to the national average of $0.13/kw. While it is slightly above Pennsylvania’s average, going solar can help you save significantly on your electricity bills in the long run. Invest in solar panels to take control of your energy costs and reduce your reliance on traditional grid power.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Philadelphia, 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:

  • Philadelphia gets more rain than the national average, but it still has enough sun for solar panels to be effective.
  • The UV ratings in Philadelphia are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Philadelphia is about average for the country, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Philadelphia pay the national average price for electricity.

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 average electricity rates, the savings will accumulate over time.

After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 3-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Philadelphia. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will surpass the investment. Additionally, solar panels have a long lifespan, ensuring savings for many years to come. Investing in solar energy is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly.

Investing in solar power in Philadelphia Pennsylvania

Based on the analysis of weather data and electricity costs specific to Philadelphia, it is clear that investing in solar panels for your home in this area can lead to significant financial savings. With the right balance of sun exposure and precipitation, along with affordable electricity rates, homeowners in Philadelphia can expect to break even on their solar installation within 3-6 years. This initial investment will result in long-term savings and a more sustainable energy source for years to come. Consider the financial benefits and environmental impact of solar energy when making decisions about your home’s energy needs.