Overview
Living in Tar Heel, North Carolina, you may be wondering how you can save money on your electricity bill while also helping the environment. Installing solar panels on your home could be the answer you’ve been looking for. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Tar Heel, we will show you just how much you can save by going solar. We will break down the cost of a solar system, estimate the time it will take to break even, and highlight the financial benefits of making the switch to solar energy.
Tar Heel North Carolina Weather Trends
Tar Heel Precipitation
With Tar Heel receiving 68.81 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is in the 87th percentile in the nation and the 71st percentile in North Carolina. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while North Carolina’s average is 65.54 inches. By harnessing this abundant natural resource, you can take advantage of the solar energy potential that comes with a rainy climate.
Tar Heel’s UV Rating
Recording an average UV rating of 5.01, Tar Heel is in the 78th percentile in the nation and the 85th percentile in North Carolina. In contrast, the national average for average UV rating is 4.29, with North Carolina’s average at 4.72. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 5.37, Tar Heel falls in the 65th percentile nationwide and the 80th percentile within the state, making it an ideal location for solar energy production.
Tar Heel’s Cloud Cover
Having an average of 39% cloud cover in the last year, Tar Heel ranks in the 25th percentile nationally and the 4th percentile in North Carolina. Comparatively, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, with North Carolina averaging 42.57%. With a significant number of days experiencing low cloud cover, Tar Heel presents ample opportunities for solar panels to generate electricity efficiently.
Tar Heel North Carolina Electricity Costs
At $0.12/kw for electricity, Tar Heel is in the 55th percentile nationwide and the 52nd percentile in North Carolina. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while North Carolina’s average stands at $0.12/kw. By making the switch to solar energy, you can reduce your dependence on traditional energy sources and take control of your electricity costs.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Tar Heel North Carolina?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Tar Heel 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:
- Tar Heel North Carolina has slightly higher precipitation levels compared to the national average, but it still receives enough sunlight for solar panels to be efficient.
- The UV ratings in Tar Heel North Carolina are above the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Tar Heel North Carolina is lower than the national average, with variations throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Tar Heel North Carolina pay slightly less 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 solar system reduces the amount of electricity that needs to be purchased from the grid.
- With the lower electricity costs in Tar Heel North Carolina, the savings over time will make up for the initial investment.
After analyzing the data, it seems like it would take around 4-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Tar Heel North Carolina. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the financial benefits will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar energy is not only cost-effective but also beneficial for the environment in the long run.
Investing in solar power in Tar Heel North Carolina
Installing solar panels in Tar Heel, North Carolina can be a beneficial investment for both your wallet and the environment. With above-average sunlight exposure, lower-than-national-average electricity costs, and a potential break-even point of 4-6 years, switching to solar energy can lead to long-term financial savings. By generating clean energy from the abundant natural resources found in Tar Heel, you can take control of your electricity costs while reducing your carbon footprint for years to come.