Overview
Thinking about installing solar panels in Saint Matthews, South Carolina? You’re in the right place! By analyzing 365 days of weather data along with basic electricity costs, we’ll show you how much money you can save by going solar. With information on precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover, you’ll see just how efficient solar panels can be in this area. We’ll break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to start saving money and see a return on your investment. Get ready to make a smart financial decision and go solar today!
Saint Matthews South Carolina Weather Trends
Saint Matthews Precipitation
With 70.85 inches of precipitation in the last year, Saint Matthews South Carolina is in the 90th percentile in the nation. Compared to the rest of South Carolina, Saint Matthews is in the 83rd percentile. This means that despite receiving more rain than most places, the amount of rainfall is still manageable for solar panels to operate efficiently. When looking at the national average of 50.61 inches and South Carolina’s average of 65.15 inches, Saint Matthews stands out as a location where solar panels can thrive.
Saint Matthews’s UV Rating
Saint Matthews South Carolina had an average UV rating of 5.14 in the last year, placing it in the 81st percentile nationally and the 57th percentile in South Carolina. This high UV rating indicates that there is plenty of sunlight available for solar panels to generate electricity efficiently. When compared to the national average of 4.29 and South Carolina’s average of 5.08, Saint Matthews proves to be an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. With an average max UV rating of 5.49, the potential for solar energy production in Saint Matthews is even greater.
Saint Matthews’s Cloud Cover
In the last year, Saint Matthews South Carolina had an average of 41% cloud cover, ranking it in the 32nd percentile nationally and the 56th percentile in South Carolina. This moderate amount of cloud cover allows for ample sunshine to reach solar panels, ensuring consistent energy production. With a distribution of cloud cover days, ranging from clear to partially cloudy, Saint Matthews offers a favorable environment for solar panel installation and operation.
Saint Matthews South Carolina Electricity Costs
Residents in Saint Matthews pay about $0.14/kw for electricity, placing them in the 84th percentile nationally and the 80th percentile in South Carolina. Despite costs being slightly higher than the national average of $0.13/kw, solar panels can still lead to significant savings in the long run. With both South Carolina and the nation having similar average electricity costs, investing in solar panels in Saint Matthews can be a smart financial decision that pays off over time.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Saint Matthews South Carolina?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Saint Matthews, South Carolina, 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:
- Saint Matthews received more precipitation than the national average, but it still has plenty of sun for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings are higher than the national average, which is great for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Saint Matthews is slightly lower than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Saint Matthews 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 need to purchase as much from the grid.
- Considering Saint Matthews’ higher electricity rates, the savings will be more significant.
After doing the math, it seems that it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to outweigh the investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for many years, you’ll continue to benefit from those savings long after the initial cost is recovered. Investing in solar energy is a smart way to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment!
Investing in solar power in Saint Matthews South Carolina
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Saint Matthews, South Carolina, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings and a positive return on investment. With higher than average UV ratings, manageable precipitation levels, and moderate cloud cover, Saint Matthews provides an ideal environment for solar energy production. Despite slightly higher electricity costs compared to the national average, the potential for long-term savings is substantial. By estimating that it would take around 6 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar installation, it is evident that going solar in Saint Matthews is a smart financial decision that can benefit both your wallet and the environment for years to come.