Overview
Investing in solar panels for your Southport, North Carolina home can lead to significant long-term financial savings. By utilizing data on weather patterns and electricity costs specific to the area, we will demonstrate how installing a solar system can help you break even on your investment in a relatively short amount of time. Let’s explore the financial benefits of going solar in Southport.
Southport North Carolina Weather Trends
Southport Precipitation
With Southport receiving 85.33 inches of precipitation in the last year, it’s clear that the area sees its fair share of rain. However, this puts Southport in the 98th percentile both nationally and within North Carolina. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, and North Carolina’s average is 65.54 inches. Despite the higher levels of precipitation, solar panels can still be a beneficial investment for Southport residents.
Southport’s UV Rating
Southport has an average UV rating of 5.1, ranking it in the 80th percentile nationally and the 92nd percentile in North Carolina. The national average for average UV rating is 4.29, while in North Carolina it is 4.72. Additionally, Southport’s average max UV rating of 5.27 places it in the 63rd percentile nationwide and the 70th percentile in North Carolina. These high UV ratings make Southport an ideal location for solar panels to maximize energy production and savings.
Southport’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 42% cloud cover over the last year, Southport falls in the 36th percentile nationally and the 56th percentile in North Carolina. The national average for average cloud cover is slightly higher at 44.46%, with North Carolina’s average sitting at 42.57%. Southport experiences a variety of cloud cover throughout the year, offering a good balance for solar energy production. With numerous clear days, solar panels can harness the sun’s energy effectively.
Southport North Carolina Electricity Costs
Southport residents benefit from relatively low electricity costs, paying about $0.13/kw. This places Southport in the 64th percentile nationally and the 73rd percentile in North Carolina. Comparatively, the national average for residential electricity is also $0.13/kw, while North Carolina’s average is slightly lower at $0.12/kw. With competitive electricity rates and abundant sunshine, investing in solar panels in Southport can lead to substantial financial savings in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Southport North Carolina?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Southport, 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:
- Southport gets more rain than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Southport are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Southport is slightly lower than the national average, providing good conditions for solar panels to work efficiently.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Southport pay the national average price 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 to be bought from the grid.
- With the average electricity costs, the savings from using solar power will help recover the initial investment.
After calculations, it appears that it would take approximately 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 make up for the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, you will continue to enjoy these savings well beyond the initial investment period. Investing in solar panels is not only a wise financial decision but also a sustainable choice for the environment.
Investing in solar power in Southport North Carolina
Investing in solar panels for your Southport, North Carolina home is a smart financial decision that can lead to significant long-term savings. By analyzing weather patterns and electricity costs specific to the area, we have shown how installing a solar system can help you break even on your investment in a relatively short amount of time. With Southport’s high UV ratings and slightly lower than average cloud cover, solar panels in this area can effectively harness solar energy to maximize savings. Considering the minimal electricity costs in Southport, it is estimated that it would take around 5 years to cover the initial investment on solar panels. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to make up for the investment, allowing you to enjoy savings for many years to come. Overall, investing in solar panels in Southport, North Carolina not only benefits your wallet but also contributes to a more sustainable environment.