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Solar and Electricity Data for Spartanburg, SC: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Spartanburg, SC at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.6/10 7.8/10 3.4/10 7.5/10 4.3/10
Not Bad 39% daily 5 inches monthly 4.9 on average 0.11/kw

Overview

Are you tired of high electricity bills in Spartanburg, South Carolina? If so, installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been looking for. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Spartanburg, we will show you how investing in a solar system can lead to significant savings over time. Stay tuned as we break down the costs and estimate how long it will take for you to break even on your investment.

Spartanburg South Carolina Weather Trends

Spartanburg Precipitation

With Spartanburg receiving an average of 57.86 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls in the 66th percentile nationwide and the 9th percentile in South Carolina. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while South Carolina’s average is 65.15 inches. The abundance of rain in Spartanburg makes it an ideal location for maximizing the benefits of solar energy.

Spartanburg’s UV Rating

At an average UV rating of 4.86, Spartanburg ranks in the 75th percentile in the nation and the 16th percentile in South Carolina. In comparison, the national average for UV rating is 4.29, and South Carolina’s average is 5.08. Additionally, Spartanburg’s high max UV rating of 5.26 places it in the 62nd percentile across the country and the 20th percentile in the state. These UV ratings indicate that Spartanburg receives ample sunlight, making it an excellent location for solar panel installation.

Spartanburg’s Cloud Cover

Spartanburg experiences an average cloud cover of 39%, ranking it in the 22nd percentile nationwide and the 3rd percentile in South Carolina. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while South Carolina’s average is slightly lower at 41.21%. In the past year, Spartanburg had a significant number of clear days with only 147 days having 0-25% cloud cover. These clear skies provide a prime opportunity for solar panels to efficiently capture sunlight.

Spartanburg South Carolina Electricity Costs

With residential electricity costs at around $0.11/kw, Spartanburg falls in the 43rd percentile nationwide and the 4th percentile in South Carolina. In comparison, the national average for electricity is $0.13/kw, matching South Carolina’s average as well. By harnessing the abundant sunlight and favorable weather conditions in Spartanburg, homeowners can significantly reduce their electricity bills and see substantial long-term savings by investing in solar panels.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Spartanburg South Carolina?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Spartanburg, South 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:

  • Spartanburg receives more precipitation than the national average, which can help keep solar panels clean and operating efficiently.
  • The UV ratings in Spartanburg are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Spartanburg is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Spartanburg pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which can affect the savings from using solar power.

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.
  • With Spartanburg’s electricity rates, the savings are lower compared to the national average.

After calculating the numbers, it looks like it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. That means, after 6-7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Considering that solar panels last for 25-30 years, you’ll be enjoying savings for a long time after that initial payback period. It’s a cost-effective way to save money and contribute to a sustainable future.

Investing in solar power in Spartanburg South Carolina

After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Spartanburg, South Carolina, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings for homeowners. With higher than average precipitation, UV ratings, and lower cloud cover, Spartanburg provides an ideal environment for solar energy production. Additionally, with electricity costs lower than the national average, residents can expect to break even on their solar panel investment in around 6-7 years. This initial payback period is followed by years of savings on electricity bills, making solar panel installation a cost-effective and sustainable choice for homeowners in Spartanburg.