Overview
Are you a Watertown resident looking to save money on your electricity bill? Consider installing solar panels on your home! By analyzing weather data specific to Watertown, including average UV ratings, cloud cover percentages, and precipitation levels, we can estimate the potential savings from solar energy. With the cost of electricity in mind, we will break down the expenses of a solar system and calculate how long it will take for you to break even on your investment. Let’s explore how going solar can benefit your wallet in the long run.
Watertown New York Weather Trends
Watertown Precipitation
With Watertown receiving 68.25 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the city experiences a high level of rainfall. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Watertown ranks in the 86th percentile nationally and the 67th percentile within New York. This abundance of rainfall can benefit homeowners looking to install solar panels, as rain can help keep the panels clean and functioning efficiently.
Watertown’s UV Rating
Watertown’s average UV rating of 3.22 in the last year places the city in the 8th percentile nationally and the 30th percentile within New York. While this may seem low compared to the national average of 4.29, solar panels can still generate significant energy even with lower UV ratings. Additionally, Watertown’s average max UV rating of 3.42, though lower than the national average, indicates ample sunlight for solar energy production.
Watertown’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 60% cloud cover in the last year, Watertown ranks in the 96th percentile nationally and the 72nd percentile within New York. Despite the high cloud cover, the city still experiences a considerable number of sunny days, making it ideal for solar energy generation. Homeowners can take advantage of the days with clear skies to produce clean, renewable energy for their homes.
Watertown New York Electricity Costs
At $0.13/kw, Watertown residents pay a relatively low rate for electricity, ranking in the 67th percentile in the nation and the 53rd percentile within New York. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw, Watertown’s electricity costs are competitive. By installing solar panels, residents can further reduce their electricity bills and take control of their energy expenses in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Watertown New York?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Watertown New York, 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:
- Watertown New York receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has plenty of sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Watertown New York are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Watertown New York is higher than the national average, with variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Watertown New York pay about the national average 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 from the grid.
- With electricity costs in Watertown New York, the savings from using solar power will be significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5-6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and repay the investment. Furthermore, since solar panels last for 25-30 years, the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar power is not only a wise financial decision but also a step towards energy independence and sustainability.
Investing in solar power in Watertown New York
Installing solar panels in Watertown, New York can be a smart financial decision for homeowners. By taking into account the city’s weather conditions, including precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover, along with the local electricity costs, we can estimate that residents can expect to break even on their solar panel investment in approximately 5-6 years. This initial investment will not only result in long-term savings on electricity bills but also contribute to energy independence and sustainability for years to come.