Overview
In Steelton, Pennsylvania, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Steelton, we can show you how much you can save by switching to solar energy. With a breakdown of the costs involved and an estimation of how long it will take to break even, this article will demonstrate why investing in solar panels is a smart decision for Steelton residents.
Steelton Pennsylvania Weather Trends
Steelton Precipitation
With Steelton receiving 62.72 inches of precipitation in the last year, it’s clear that the area experiences more rain than most places in the country. However, compared to the rest of Pennsylvania, Steelton falls slightly below the state’s average. By harnessing this abundant rainfall through solar panels, residents can take advantage of a free and renewable energy source to power their homes.
Steelton’s UV Rating
Steelton’s average UV rating of 3.92 may not seem very high, but it is still above the national average. When compared to other areas in Pennsylvania, Steelton actually ranks quite high in terms of UV exposure. This means that solar panels in Steelton have the potential to generate a significant amount of energy from sunlight, allowing residents to rely less on traditional electricity sources.
Steelton’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average cloud cover of 47%, Steelton is still above the national average and falls below Pennsylvania’s average. This means that Steelton residents experience clearer skies more frequently, providing ample opportunities for solar panels to soak up the sun’s rays and produce energy. By harnessing this natural resource, homeowners can reduce their reliance on conventional forms of electricity.
Steelton Pennsylvania Electricity Costs
At $0.13/kw, Steelton’s electricity costs are right on par with the national average. Compared to the rest of Pennsylvania, Steelton’s electricity rates are relatively low. By investing in solar panels, residents can offset these costs by generating their own electricity and potentially even earning money by selling excess energy back to the grid. This can lead to long-term savings and a reduced carbon footprint for Steelton homeowners.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Steelton Pennsylvania?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Steelton Pennsylvania, 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:
- Steelton Pennsylvania gets more rain than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover is slightly above average for the country, with varying degrees throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Steelton Pennsylvania pay the national average for electricity, which is $0.13/kw.
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 need to purchase from the grid.
- Given the average electricity costs, the savings will be based on that rate.
After calculations, it appears that it would take around 8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and compensate for the investment. Additionally, since the solar panels will last for 25 to 30 years, significant savings can be enjoyed for many years following the payback period. Investing in solar power is a wise choice to save money and contribute to environmental preservation.
Investing in solar power in Steelton Pennsylvania
Investing in solar panels in Steelton, Pennsylvania can provide significant financial benefits for residents. By harnessing the area’s abundant rainfall and above-average sunlight exposure, homeowners can generate their own electricity and reduce their reliance on traditional power sources. With electricity costs in Steelton aligning with the national average, switching to solar energy can lead to long-term savings and even potential earnings by selling excess energy back to the grid. Based on the analysis provided, it is clear that investing in solar panels is a smart decision for Steelton residents looking to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.