Overview
This article will show you why installing solar panels on your home in Somerset, Virginia is a smart financial decision. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Somerset, we will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even. With the potential savings on your electricity bill and the available incentives, you can see a significant return on your investment in solar panels.
Somerset Virginia Weather Trends
Somerset Precipitation
With 54.28 inches of precipitation in the last year, Somerset, Virginia is slightly above the national average of 50.61 inches. However, compared to the rest of the state, Somerset falls below Virginia’s average of 56.77 inches. Despite this, the consistent precipitation levels in Somerset make it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy.
Somerset’s UV Rating
At an average UV rating of 4.42, Somerset, Virginia outshines both the national average of 4.29 and the state average of 4.41. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 4.84, Somerset surpasses both the national and state averages. These high UV ratings indicate that Somerset receives abundant sunshine, making it a prime location for solar panel installation.
Somerset’s Cloud Cover
Despite an average cloud cover of 42%, which is slightly lower than the national average of 44.46%, Somerset, Virginia experiences a favorable amount of sun exposure. With a significant number of days having minimal cloud cover, residents can count on consistent sunlight for their solar panels to generate electricity efficiently.
Somerset Virginia Electricity Costs
With electricity costs at $0.12/kw, Somerset, Virginia residents are paying slightly less than the national average of $0.13/kw. When compared to the state average of $0.12/kw, Somerset remains consistent. By investing in solar panels, residents can take advantage of the abundant sunshine in Somerset to generate their electricity, ultimately saving money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Somerset Virginia?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Somerset 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:
- Somerset Virginia receives slightly more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunshine for solar panels to be effective.
- The average UV ratings in Somerset Virginia are slightly higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Somerset Virginia is below the national average, with varying percentages throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Somerset 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 solar system generates electricity, reducing the amount needed from the grid and saving money on electricity bills.
- With the slightly lower electricity rates in Somerset Virginia, the savings might be slightly lower compared to other locations.
After running the numbers, it appears that it might take around 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 make up for the investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for 25 to 30 years, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. It’s an investment that not only saves you money but also contributes to a greener environment!
Investing in solar power in Somerset Virginia
After analyzing the weather data and electricity costs in Somerset, Virginia, it is evident that installing solar panels on your home can be a wise financial decision. With abundant sunshine, slightly lower electricity costs, and the potential for significant savings on your electricity bill, it may take around 6 years to break even on your initial investment. Considering that solar panels typically last between 25 and 30 years, you can continue to benefit from these savings for a long time. Not only will you save money, but you will also be contributing to a greener environment by harnessing clean energy from the sun.