Overview
Are you a Wilkesboro resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home can help you do just that! In this article, we will break down the financial benefits of switching to solar energy in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs in the area, we will show you how quickly you can recoup the initial investment in a solar system and start enjoying significant savings on your monthly bills.
Wilkesboro North Carolina Weather Trends
Wilkesboro Precipitation
With Wilkesboro receiving 63.13 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls within the 77th percentile in the nation and the 41st percentile in North Carolina. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Wilkesboro experiences slightly higher levels. However, when looking at North Carolina’s average of 65.54 inches, Wilkesboro sees less precipitation annually.
Wilkesboro’s UV Rating
Wilkesboro boasts an average UV rating of 4.44, placing it in the 63rd percentile in the nation and the 18th percentile in North Carolina. While the national average sits at 4.29, North Carolina’s average is slightly higher at 4.72. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 4.84, Wilkesboro falls in the 53rd percentile nationally and the 31st percentile within the state. Despite these rankings, Wilkesboro enjoys moderate UV levels compared to other regions.
Wilkesboro’s Cloud Cover
Recording an average of 41% cloud cover in the last year, Wilkesboro ranks in the 33rd percentile in the country and the 42nd percentile within North Carolina. Although slightly lower than the national average of 44.46%, it is close to North Carolina’s average of 42.57%. Furthermore, Wilkesboro experienced a varied number of days with different cloud cover percentages, offering a mix of sunny and partially cloudy days throughout the year.
Wilkesboro North Carolina Electricity Costs
When it comes to electricity costs, Wilkesboro residents pay around $0.13/kw, placing the city in the 70th percentile nationally and the 81st percentile within North Carolina. While the national average for residential electricity is also $0.13/kw, North Carolina’s average is slightly lower at $0.12/kw. By switching to solar energy, Wilkesboro residents can take advantage of these electricity cost savings and potentially lower their monthly bills significantly.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Wilkesboro North Carolina?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Wilkesboro 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:
- Wilkesboro receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to function effectively.
- The UV ratings in Wilkesboro are higher than the national average, which is great for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Wilkesboro is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Wilkesboro pay an average rate of $0.13/kw for electricity, which is in line with the national average.
With this information, let’s break down the costs:
- A standard solar system of 10kW costs $20,000 upfront.
- This system is expected to last between 25 and 30 years, providing long-term savings on electricity bills.
To calculate the time it would take to break even on the investment, we need to determine the annual savings from using solar power:
- By generating electricity, the dependency on the grid decreases, resulting in savings on electricity bills.
- Given Wilkesboro’s average electricity rates, the savings would accumulate over time.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 4-5 years to recoup the initial investment in solar panels. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will start to offset the cost of the system. Furthermore, since solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, these savings will continue for many years ahead. Choosing solar power is not only a smart financial decision but also a way to contribute to a cleaner environment for the future.
Investing in solar power in Wilkesboro North Carolina
Switching to solar energy in Wilkesboro, North Carolina can lead to significant financial benefits for residents. By analyzing the weather trends, such as precipitation, UV rating, and cloud cover, along with the electricity costs, we can see that investing in solar panels can help save money on monthly bills. With the initial investment in a solar system expected to be recouped in 4-5 years, residents can enjoy long-term savings while also contributing to a cleaner environment. So, consider making the switch to solar power and start saving on your electricity bills today!