Overview
If you’re a Southfield, Michigan resident looking to save money on your electricity bills, installing solar panels on your home might be the perfect solution for you. In this article, we will break down the financial benefits of switching to solar energy based on local weather data and electricity costs. By analyzing the inches of precipitation, average UV ratings, percentage of cloud cover, and basic electricity rates over the course of a year, we will show you how much money you can save with a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even on your investment.
Southfield Michigan Weather Trends
Southfield Precipitation
With Southfield receiving 40.31 inches of precipitation in the last year, you can take advantage of the 18th percentile ranking in Michigan and the 28th percentile nationally. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Michigan’s average of 44.01 inches, Southfield’s lower precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
Southfield’s UV Rating
Southfield’s average UV rating of 3.66 places it in the 27th percentile in the nation and the 88th percentile in Michigan. In comparison, the national average UV rating is 4.29, and Michigan’s average is 3.43. With an average max UV rating of 3.88, Southfield stands in the 28th percentile nationally and the 80th percentile within Michigan.
Southfield’s Cloud Cover
Southfield’s average of 52% cloud cover positions it in the 37th percentile in Michigan and the 80th percentile in the nation. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, and Michigan’s average is slightly higher at 52.98%. With a variety of cloud cover percentages throughout the year, Southfield offers ample sunshine for solar energy production.
Southfield Michigan Electricity Costs
Residents of Southfield pay about $0.17/kw for electricity, placing them in the 80th percentile in Michigan and the 96th percentile nationally. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while Michigan’s average is $0.16/kw. By harnessing the power of solar energy, you can significantly reduce your electricity costs in Southfield.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Southfield Michigan?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Southfield Michigan, 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:
- Southfield Michigan receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Southfield Michigan are lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Southfield Michigan is slightly higher than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Southfield Michigan pay more 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 to purchase from the grid.
- Considering Southfield Michigan’s higher electricity rates, the savings from solar power are even more significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar panels not only saves money but also contributes to a greener environment. It’s a wise financial and eco-conscious decision.
Investing in solar power in Southfield Michigan
After analyzing the data on Southfield, Michigan’s weather trends and electricity costs, it is clear that installing solar panels can bring significant financial benefits to residents. With lower precipitation levels, sufficient UV ratings, and ample sunshine due to varying cloud cover percentages, Southfield is an ideal location for solar panel installation. Additionally, the higher electricity costs in Southfield compared to the national average make the savings from solar power even more substantial. Based on this information, it is estimated that it would take around 5 years to break even on the initial cost of solar panels in Southfield. Beyond that point, the savings on electricity bills will continue for many more years, making solar panel installation a wise financial investment that also contributes to a greener environment.