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Solar and Electricity Data for Rutledge, AL: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Rutledge, AL at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.8/10 6/10 0.6/10 8.5/10 8.7/10
Not Bad 42% daily 6 inches monthly 5.3 on average 0.14/kw

Overview

Are you a Rutledge resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been searching for. By analyzing weather data specific to Rutledge, such as average UV rating and cloud cover, along with basic electricity costs, we can estimate how long it would take for a solar system to pay for itself. Let’s break down the cost of a solar system and explore how you can start saving money by going solar.

Rutledge Alabama Weather Trends

Rutledge Precipitation

With Rutledge being in the 94th percentile in the nation for total precipitation, it’s clear that the area experiences a significant amount of rainfall. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Rutledge’s 75.22 inches of precipitation in the last year shows that solar panels could benefit from utilizing all that rainwater for energy production. Even in Alabama, where the average is 66.86 inches, Rutledge stands out. By harnessing the power of the rain, you can save even more on your electricity bills.

Rutledge’s UV Rating

Rutledge’s average UV rating of 5.32 places it in the 85th percentile nationwide, indicating a high level of sunlight exposure. This is above the national average of 4.29, showcasing the potential for solar panel energy production in Rutledge. Even within Alabama, where the average is 5.16, Rutledge shines. With an average max UV rating of 5.68, Rutledge residents can benefit from the sun’s energy to power their homes, making solar panels a great investment for long-term savings.

Rutledge’s Cloud Cover

Despite the average 42% cloud cover in Rutledge, which is slightly lower than the national average of 44.46%, solar panels can still be highly effective in this area. With a variety of cloud cover percentages throughout the year, ranging from clear days to overcast ones, there is still plenty of sunlight available for solar energy production. By taking advantage of even the sunniest days, Rutledge residents can maximize their savings with solar panels.

Rutledge Alabama Electricity Costs

At $0.14/kw, Rutledge’s electricity costs are higher than the national average of $0.13/kw. However, compared to the rest of Alabama where the average is also $0.13/kw, there is potential to save money by switching to solar power. With abundant sunlight, high UV ratings, and significant precipitation, investing in a solar panel system in Rutledge can not only help you reduce your electricity bills but also contribute to a greener environment for future generations.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Rutledge Alabama?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Rutledge, Alabama, 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:

  • Rutledge receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
  • The UV ratings in Rutledge are higher than the national average, which is great for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Rutledge is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Rutledge 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 amount needed from the grid.
  • With Rutledge’s higher electricity rates, the savings from solar power are even more significant.

After analyzing the numbers, it looks like it would take around 4-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. Once that initial period is over, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, you’ll continue to enjoy those savings for many years. Investing in solar power is both financially beneficial and environmentally friendly in the long run.

Investing in solar power in Rutledge Alabama

With abundant sunlight, high UV ratings, and significant precipitation, installing solar panels in Rutledge, Alabama can lead to substantial savings on electricity bills. By harnessing the power of the sun and making the most of the rainy weather, residents can break even on their investment within 4-6 years and continue to enjoy reduced costs for decades to come. Not only does going solar benefit your wallet, but it also contributes to a greener environment for future generations to enjoy.