Overview
Are you a Portsmouth Virginia resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be a smart financial decision for you. By analyzing 365 days of local weather data and electricity cost in Portsmouth, we have determined that solar panels can help you break even on your investment more quickly than you might think. Read on to find out how much you can save by going solar.
Portsmouth Virginia Weather Trends
Portsmouth Precipitation
With Portsmouth Virginia experiencing 61.75 inches of precipitation in the last year, it’s clear that our city sees its fair share of rain. However, compared to the rest of the nation and Virginia, Portsmouth falls slightly above average in terms of total precipitation. By harnessing the power of the sun with solar panels, you can still generate clean energy even on cloudy or rainy days, making it a reliable option for your home.
Portsmouth’s UV Rating
Portsmouth Virginia boasts an average UV rating of 4.68, showing that our city receives a healthy amount of sunlight throughout the year. When compared to the national and state averages, Portsmouth ranks higher in both categories. This means that by investing in solar panels for your home, you can take advantage of the abundant sunlight and potentially generate more energy, leading to greater savings on your electricity bills.
Portsmouth’s Cloud Cover
Despite an average cloud cover of 42%, Portsmouth Virginia is still in a good position when it comes to the amount of sunlight we receive. With a significant number of days seeing less than 25% cloud cover, there are plenty of opportunities for solar panels to soak up the sun’s rays and produce clean energy for your home. By harnessing the power of solar energy, you can reduce your reliance on traditional electricity sources and decrease your carbon footprint.
Portsmouth Virginia Electricity Costs
Portsmouth residents pay approximately $0.12/kw for electricity, which is on par with the state average and slightly below the national average. By switching to solar energy, you can protect yourself from fluctuating electricity prices and potentially save money in the long run. With the right solar panel system, you can not only offset your electricity costs but also contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment for future generations.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Portsmouth Virginia?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Portsmouth 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:
- Portsmouth Virginia gets more precipitation than the national average, but it still receives enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Portsmouth Virginia are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- The cloud cover in Portsmouth Virginia is slightly below the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Portsmouth Virginia pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which can impact the savings from using solar power.
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 and resulting in savings on electricity bills.
- Considering Portsmouth Virginia’s electricity rates, these savings are significant and will contribute to covering the initial cost of the solar panels.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 4-6 years to offset the upfront cost of the solar panels in Portsmouth Virginia. This means that after this initial period, the savings on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and make the investment worthwhile. Additionally, with solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, the long-term savings and benefits are substantial. It’s a wise financial and environmentally-friendly decision for residents in Portsmouth Virginia to consider investing in solar energy.
Investing in solar power in Portsmouth Virginia
Investing in solar panels in Portsmouth, Virginia can be a beneficial decision for residents looking to save money on their electricity bills. By analyzing the local weather trends and electricity costs, it is evident that solar panels can help homeowners break even on their investment within 4-6 years. With Portsmouth receiving a healthy amount of sunlight and having electricity costs on par with the state average, switching to solar energy not only provides financial savings but also contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. Overall, investing in solar panels in Portsmouth Virginia is a smart and eco-friendly choice for residents to consider.