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Solar and Electricity Data for Swarthmore, PA: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Swarthmore, PA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.9/10 5/10 2.4/10 5.3/10 6.7/10
Not Bad 44% daily 5 inches monthly 4.2 on average 0.13/kw

Overview

Are you looking to save money on your electricity bills while also reducing your carbon footprint in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania? Installing solar panels on your home could be a smart financial decision. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Swarthmore, we will show you how investing in a solar system can help you break even in a reasonable amount of time. Let’s explore the potential financial benefits of going solar in your area.

Swarthmore Pennsylvania Weather Trends

Swarthmore Precipitation

With Swarthmore receiving 62.65 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is ranked in the 76th percentile nationally and the 72nd percentile in Pennsylvania. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Pennsylvania’s average of 59.53 inches, Swarthmore’s precipitation levels are higher, making it an ideal location for solar panels to harness the power of the sun.

Swarthmore’s UV Rating

Having an average UV rating of 4.17 places Swarthmore in the 53rd percentile nationwide and the 91st percentile in Pennsylvania. In comparison, the national average UV rating stands at 4.29, while Pennsylvania’s average is 3.82. With an average max UV rating of 4.51, Swarthmore’s potential for solar energy generation is excellent, positioning it as a prime location for solar panels to thrive.

Swarthmore’s Cloud Cover

With an average cloud cover of 44% in Swarthmore, the area is ranked in the 50th percentile nationally and the 4th percentile in Pennsylvania. While the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, Pennsylvania’s average is higher at 51.8%. Swarthmore experiences a significant number of days with low cloud cover, providing ample sunlight for efficient solar panel operation throughout the year.

Swarthmore Pennsylvania Electricity Costs

Residents of Swarthmore pay approximately $0.13 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, placing the town in the 67th percentile nationally and the 36th percentile in Pennsylvania. Despite the national average matching Swarthmore’s rate at $0.13/kw, Pennsylvania’s average rate is also $0.13/kw. By investing in solar panels, Swarthmore homeowners can potentially reduce their electricity bills significantly, taking advantage of the abundant sunlight and favorable electricity costs in the area.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Swarthmore Pennsylvania?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Swarthmore 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:

  • Swarthmore Pennsylvania receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
  • The UV ratings in Swarthmore Pennsylvania are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still good for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Swarthmore Pennsylvania is around the national average, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Swarthmore Pennsylvania pay the national average for residential 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 need to buy as much from the grid.
  • Since Swarthmore Pennsylvania residents pay the national average for electricity, the savings calculation remains consistent.

After doing the calculations, it seems like 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 accumulating and paying off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for a long time, you’ll continue to enjoy those savings for many years to come after that initial period. It’s a wise investment for both saving money and contributing to environmental sustainability!

Investing in solar power in Swarthmore Pennsylvania

Investing in solar panels in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania can be a financially beneficial decision. With higher than average sunlight exposure, lower precipitation levels, and favorable electricity costs, homeowners in Swarthmore have the opportunity to break even on their solar panel investment in approximately 5 years. Not only will this lead to long-term savings on electricity bills, but it will also contribute to reducing carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly energy practices in the community. Consider going solar in Swarthmore today for a brighter and more sustainable future!