Overview
In Scranton, North Carolina, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Scranton, we can estimate how long it will take to break even on the cost of a solar system. With ample sunshine throughout the year and high electricity prices, investing in solar panels can provide long-term savings on your energy bills.
Scranton North Carolina Weather Trends
Scranton Precipitation
With an impressive 82.31 inches of precipitation in the last year, Scranton North Carolina stands out in the 98th percentile nationally and the 97th percentile in North Carolina. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Scranton receives significantly more rainfall. When looking at North Carolina’s average of 65.54 inches, Scranton still ranks higher. This abundant precipitation can help keep your solar panels clean and operating efficiently.
Scranton’s UV Rating
Scranton’s average UV rating of 4.83 in the last year places it in the 74th percentile nationally and the 60th percentile in North Carolina. This means you can expect plenty of sunshine to power your solar panels. Comparing this to the national average of 4.29 and North Carolina’s average of 4.72, Scranton offers favorable conditions for solar energy production. With an average max UV rating of 5.09, Scranton continues to rank above both national and state averages.
Scranton’s Cloud Cover
Scranton North Carolina had an average of 42% cloud cover in the last year, positioning it in the 38th percentile in the nation and the 62nd percentile in North Carolina. When comparing this to the national average of 44.46% and North Carolina’s average of 42.57%, Scranton enjoys relatively clear skies. With a mix of cloud cover days ranging from 0% to 100%, Scranton provides a good balance for consistent solar energy production.
Scranton North Carolina Electricity Costs
Residents of Scranton pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, placing them in the 69th percentile nationally and the 80th percentile in North Carolina. Despite meeting the national average, the cost of electricity in Scranton is slightly higher than the state average of $0.12/kw. By investing in solar panels, you can reduce your reliance on traditional electricity sources and save money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Scranton North Carolina?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Scranton, North 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:
- Scranton receives more precipitation than the national average, which can affect solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Scranton are slightly higher than the national average, which is good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Scranton is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Scranton pay about the national average for electricity.
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 average electricity rates, the savings are consistent over time.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this initial period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to pay off the investment. Since solar panels last for a long time, you’ll continue to enjoy these savings for years to come. Investing in solar panels is not only a smart financial move but also a way to support a sustainable environment.
Investing in solar power in Scranton North Carolina
Investing in solar panels in Scranton, North Carolina can lead to significant financial benefits due to the region’s weather trends and electricity costs. With ample sunlight for efficient energy production and slightly higher electricity rates than the national average, solar panels offer a promising return on investment. By estimating the break-even point for the initial cost of a solar system, we found that it would take approximately 8-10 years to start seeing savings on electricity bills. This long-term financial gain, coupled with the environmental benefits of renewable energy, makes solar panel installation a smart choice for Scranton residents looking to save money and support sustainability.