Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Schaefferstown, PA: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Schaefferstown, PA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.1/10 3.8/10 2.6/10 3.6/10 5.7/10
Not Bad 47% daily 5 inches monthly 3.8 on average 0.12/kw

Overview

If you’re a Schaefferstown Pennsylvania resident looking to save money on your electricity bills, installing solar panels on your home could be a smart financial decision. With average yearly precipitation of 41.46 inches, a maximum UV rating of 7.2, an average UV rating of 4.6, and 46% cloud cover, the conditions in Schaefferstown are favorable for harnessing solar energy. By breaking down the cost of a solar system and estimating the time it takes to break even, we will show you how making the switch to solar power can benefit both your wallet and the environment.

Schaefferstown Pennsylvania Weather Trends

Schaefferstown Precipitation

With Schaefferstown receiving 61.87 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that this Pennsylvania town has ample rainfall to support solar energy production. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Schaefferstown is in a favorable position for harnessing solar power. Even within Pennsylvania, Schaefferstown exceeds the state average of 59.53 inches, making it a prime location for solar panels to thrive.

Schaefferstown’s UV Rating

Considering Schaefferstown’s average UV rating of 3.81 in the last year, residents can expect sufficient sunlight to power their solar panels. While this rating places Schaefferstown in the 36th percentile nationally, it surpasses Pennsylvania’s average UV rating of 3.82. With an average max UV rating of 4.12, Schaefferstown is well-suited for solar energy production, especially when compared to the national average of 4.29.

Schaefferstown’s Cloud Cover

Despite having an average of 47% cloud cover in the last year, Schaefferstown is still in a favorable position for solar energy generation. With 100 days of minimal cloud cover, residents have plenty of opportunities to capture sunlight for their solar panels. While Pennsylvania’s average cloud cover is slightly higher at 51.8%, Schaefferstown’s 62nd percentile rank nationally indicates promising conditions for solar power.

Schaefferstown Pennsylvania Electricity Costs

With residents paying about $0.12/kw for electricity, Schaefferstown is not only saving money but also contributing to a more sustainable future by considering solar panels. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw, Schaefferstown’s lower electricity costs make switching to solar even more enticing. Though it falls in the 14th percentile in Pennsylvania, this town has the potential to lead the way in renewable energy adoption.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Schaefferstown Pennsylvania?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Schaefferstown, 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:

  • Schaefferstown receives a bit more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
  • The UV ratings are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Schaefferstown is slightly higher than the national average, with variations throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Schaefferstown pay slightly less 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.
  • Given the lower electricity costs in Schaefferstown, the savings will be slightly lower compared to national average rates.

After analyzing the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 8-10 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to surpass the initial investment. Furthermore, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. It’s a wise financial decision that also contributes to a greener environment!

Investing in solar power in Schaefferstown Pennsylvania

With favorable weather conditions, lower electricity costs, and a relatively short break-even period, installing solar panels in Schaefferstown Pennsylvania is a wise financial decision that can benefit both residents’ wallets and the environment. By harnessing the abundant sunlight and reducing reliance on the grid, residents can expect to start saving money on their electricity bills within 8-10 years of installation. This investment not only offers long-term financial benefits but also contributes to a more sustainable future for Schaefferstown and beyond.