Overview
In Smithfield, West Virginia, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, we can estimate the cost of a solar system and how long it will take to break even. With ample sunshine and moderate cloud cover throughout the year, Smithfield residents can take advantage of solar energy to reduce their electricity bills and increase their savings.
Smithfield West Virginia Weather Trends
Smithfield Precipitation
With 60.37 inches of precipitation over the last year, Smithfield, West Virginia falls in the 71st percentile in the nation and the 68th percentile in the state. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while West Virginia’s average is 57.58 inches. Despite the slightly higher levels of precipitation, Smithfield’s sunshine can still be harnessed effectively for solar energy.
Smithfield’s UV Rating
Smithfield’s average UV rating of 3.81 in the last year places it in the 36th percentile nationally and the 30th percentile in West Virginia. In comparison, the national average for average UV rating is 4.29, and West Virginia’s average is 4.01. The average max UV rating for Smithfield of 4.16 aligns similarly. The levels of UV radiation in Smithfield make it suitable for solar energy generation.
Smithfield’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 53% cloud cover in the last year, Smithfield ranks in the 83rd percentile nationwide and the 72nd percentile in West Virginia. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, and West Virginia’s average is 51.1%. Despite the slightly higher cloud cover, Smithfield still has plenty of clear days for effective solar energy production.
Smithfield West Virginia Electricity Costs
Residents of Smithfield, West Virginia pay around $0.11/kw for electricity, placing the town in the 35th percentile nationally and the 33rd percentile in the state. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity stands at $0.13/kw, with West Virginia’s average being $0.12/kw. By installing solar panels, Smithfield residents can further reduce their electricity costs and increase their savings over time.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Smithfield West Virginia?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Smithfield West Virginia, 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:
- Smithfield West Virginia receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Smithfield West Virginia are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Smithfield West Virginia is higher than the national average, which can impact the efficiency of solar panels on cloudy days.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Smithfield West Virginia 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 purchased from the grid.
- Due to lower electricity costs in Smithfield West Virginia, the savings may be slightly less compared to national averages.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Smithfield West Virginia. This means that after 7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, considering the longevity of solar panels, you will continue to enjoy savings for many years beyond that initial period. Investing in solar panels is a wise decision that not only helps you save money but also benefits the environment in the long run.
Investing in solar power in Smithfield West Virginia
Smithfield, West Virginia’s weather patterns and electricity costs make it a prime location for investing in solar panels. Despite slightly higher precipitation levels and cloud cover, the town still receives enough sunshine to effectively harness solar energy. With electricity costs lower than the national average, residents can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels in approximately 7 years. Not only will this lead to significant financial savings, but it also contributes to a more sustainable future for Smithfield. Investing in solar energy is a smart choice that benefits both homeowners and the environment in the long term.