Overview
Are you tired of rising electricity bills? Want to save money in the long run while also helping the environment? Installing solar panels on your home in Sewanee, Tennessee could be the solution for you. With our analysis of weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we break down the financial benefits of investing in solar energy. By detailing the cost of a solar system and estimating the break-even point, we show how you can start saving money and reducing your carbon footprint.
Sewanee Tennessee Weather Trends
Sewanee Precipitation
With Sewanee, Tennessee receiving 64.62 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is evident that the area experiences a fair amount of rainfall. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Sewanee surpasses the norm, ranking in the 80th percentile across the country. Even within Tennessee, Sewanee stands above with an 84th percentile ranking, showcasing its propensity for rainy weather.
Sewanee’s UV Rating
Considering Sewanee, Tennessee’s average UV rating of 4.28, residents can expect a moderate level of sun exposure. While this places Sewanee in the 57th percentile nationwide, the state of Tennessee brings the ranking down to the 9th percentile. In terms of maximum UV rating, Sewanee’s average of 4.55 aligns closely with the national average of 4.61, though it falls behind Tennessee’s average of 4.99.
Sewanee’s Cloud Cover
Over the past year, Sewanee Tennessee has experienced an average cloud cover of 47%, with the town boasting a 61st percentile ranking in the country and an 88th percentile ranking in the state. This indicates that while there may be some clouds present, there are still plenty of sunny days to harness solar energy. The breakdown of cloud cover days also shows a good balance, with various levels throughout the year.
Sewanee Tennessee Electricity Costs
Residents in Sewanee, Tennessee pay roughly $0.11/kw for electricity, placing the town in the 30th percentile nationwide for electricity costs and the 53rd percentile in the state of Tennessee. This means that investing in solar energy could lead to significant savings in the long run compared to the national average of $0.13/kw. With Tennessee’s average matching Sewanee’s at $0.11/kw, the local electricity rates are favorable for transitioning to solar power.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Sewanee Tennessee?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Sewanee Tennessee, 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:
- Sewanee Tennessee receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunshine for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Sewanee Tennessee are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Sewanee Tennessee is about average for the country, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Sewanee Tennessee 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 Sewanee Tennessee, the savings may not be as high as in other locations.
After running the numbers, it looks like it would take around 10-15 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after that timeframe, the money saved on electricity bills will start to outweigh the initial investment. Remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so you’ll enjoy these savings for many years to come. It’s a wise investment for both your finances and the environment!
Investing in solar power in Sewanee Tennessee
With the analysis of weather data, electricity costs, and the financial benefits of investing in solar energy in Sewanee, Tennessee, it is clear that installing solar panels can lead to significant savings in the long run while also reducing your carbon footprint. By considering the town’s precipitation, UV ratings, cloud cover, and electricity costs, it is estimated that it would take around 10-15 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar installation. After this point, the money saved on electricity bills will continue to outweigh the investment, providing both financial and environmental rewards for years to come.