Overview
If you live in Rochester, New York, you may be wondering if installing solar panels is worth the investment. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Rochester, we can show you how much you can save by going solar. With the average cost of a solar system in mind, we will break down how long it will take for you to break even and start enjoying the financial benefits of generating your own clean energy. Let’s explore the reasons why going solar in Rochester is a smart financial move.
Rochester New York Weather Trends
Rochester Precipitation
With Rochester receiving 45.19 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls below both the national and New York state averages. While the national average is 50.61 inches, New York’s average is even higher at 63.5 inches. Despite this, Rochester’s lower precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar panels, as they can still function efficiently without being affected by excessive rain.
Rochester’s UV Rating
Rochester’s average UV rating of 3.43 places it in the 16th percentile in the nation and the 59th percentile in New York. Although it may not receive as much sunlight as other areas, it is still suitable for solar panel installation. The national average UV rating is 4.29, while New York’s average is slightly higher at 3.57. With an average max UV rating of 3.63, Rochester may not have the highest sunlight exposure, but it is enough to generate significant solar energy.
Rochester’s Cloud Cover
Rochester experiences an average cloud cover of 54%, ranking it higher than the national average but lower than the New York state average. While the national average cloud cover is 44.46%, New York’s average is 54.76%. Despite this, Rochester still has a considerable number of clear days, with 69 days of minimal cloud cover and 110 days with heavier cloud cover. This means there are plenty of days for solar panels to generate clean energy efficiently.
Rochester New York Electricity Costs
With residents paying $0.13/kw for electricity, Rochester falls in the 66th percentile nationwide and the 47th percentile in New York. Although the cost is on par with the national average, New York’s average is slightly higher at $0.15/kw. By installing solar panels, Rochester residents can significantly reduce their electricity bills over time, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Rochester New York?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Rochester, New York, 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:
- Rochester gets slightly less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Rochester are a bit lower than the national average, but they are still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Rochester is higher than the national average, which may affect solar panel performance at times.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Rochester pay the same average price 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 and leading to savings on electricity bills.
- With Rochester’s average electricity rates, the savings will add up over time.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. Moreover, since solar panels last for a long time, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. Investing in solar panels is a wise choice for saving money and contributing to environmental sustainability.
Investing in solar power in Rochester New York
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Rochester, New York, it is evident that installing solar panels is a smart financial move. With the city’s lower precipitation levels and sufficient UV ratings for generating solar power, along with electricity costs on par with the national average, residents can expect to break even on their investment in approximately 6 years. Not only will they start saving money on electricity bills, but they will also contribute to environmental sustainability by generating clean energy. Investing in solar panels in Rochester is a wise choice for long-term financial benefits.