Overview
Are you tired of high electricity bills in Reading, Pennsylvania? Installing solar panels on your home can help you save money in the long run. In this article, we will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even. By analyzing weather data and basic electricity costs over a year, you will see the financial benefits of switching to solar energy.
Reading Pennsylvania Weather Trends
Reading Precipitation
With Reading, Pennsylvania receiving 62.29 inches of precipitation in the last year, you may be concerned about the impact on solar energy production. However, Reading is actually in the 75th percentile in the nation for total precipitation, making it a viable location for solar panels. Compared to Pennsylvania’s average of 59.53 inches, Reading is in a slightly higher percentile, showing that the amount of precipitation is manageable for solar energy production.
Reading’s UV Rating
Reading Pennsylvania had an average UV rating of 3.85 in the last year, placing it in the 38th percentile nationwide. While this may not seem impressive, it is important to note that Reading is in the 71st percentile in Pennsylvania, showcasing its potential for solar energy. With an average max UV rating of 4.18, Reading’s sun exposure is comparable to the state average, making it a suitable location for solar panel installation.
Reading’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average cloud cover of 47%, Reading Pennsylvania is still in a good position for solar panel installation. This percentage places Reading in the 24th percentile in Pennsylvania and the 62nd percentile in the nation. With a significant number of days experiencing low to moderate cloud cover, Reading offers a favorable environment for maximizing solar energy production throughout the year.
Reading Pennsylvania Electricity Costs
Reading residents pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, which is in line with the national average. This places Reading in the 68th percentile nationally and the 41st percentile in Pennsylvania. By switching to solar energy, you can reduce your dependency on traditional electricity sources and save money in the long run. With stable electricity rates and abundant sunlight, going solar can provide significant financial benefits for Reading homeowners.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Reading Pennsylvania?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Reading, 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:
- Reading receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Reading are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Reading is around the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Reading pay the same rate 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 the average electricity rates in Reading, the savings are significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years. Investing in solar energy is a smart way to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment!
Investing in solar power in Reading Pennsylvania
By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Reading, Pennsylvania, it is evident that switching to solar energy can lead to significant financial savings. With ample sunlight exposure despite some precipitation and cloud cover, solar panels are a viable option for homeowners in Reading. Considering the stable electricity rates and the potential to break even on a solar installation within approximately 5 years, investing in solar energy can be a smart decision for your wallet and the environment. Make the switch to solar power and start saving today!