Overview
Are you a Wilmington, Delaware resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the key to significant long-term savings. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to your area, we will show you how much you could save each month by harnessing the power of the sun. Our article breaks down the initial cost of a solar system, estimates how long it will take to break even, and highlights the financial benefits of choosing solar energy for your home.
Wilmington Delaware Weather Trends
Wilmington Precipitation
With Wilmington Delaware receiving 65.47 inches of precipitation in the last year, it’s clear that the city experiences a significant amount of rainfall. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Wilmington is in the 81st percentile in the country. While the state of Delaware has an average of 62.92 inches, Wilmington still stands above in the 84th percentile within the state.
Wilmington’s UV Rating
In the last year, Wilmington Delaware had an average UV rating of 4.05, placing it in the 48th percentile in the nation. Comparing it to the national average of 4.29, Wilmington’s UV exposure is slightly lower. However, Delaware’s average UV rating of 4.34 indicates that Wilmington falls below the state average. Additionally, the city’s max UV rating of 4.39 places it in the 42nd percentile nationally and the 23rd percentile within Delaware.
Wilmington’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 45% in the last year, Wilmington is in the 54th percentile in the nation. Although the national average is slightly lower at 44.46%, Wilmington still experiences a fair amount of cloud cover. Surprisingly, the city ranks in the 92nd percentile within Delaware, where the state’s average is 44.66%. The distribution of cloud cover days in Wilmington includes a variety of ranges, with opportunities for sunny days to produce solar energy.
Wilmington Delaware Electricity Costs
Wilmington Delaware residents pay around $0.12/kw for electricity, positioning the city in the 59th percentile in the country. While the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, Wilmington enjoys slightly lower rates. Comparing it to Delaware’s average of $0.12/kw, residents of Wilmington have the advantage of more affordable electricity costs. By switching to solar energy, homeowners can further reduce their electricity bills and increase their long-term savings.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Wilmington Delaware?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Wilmington, 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:
- Wilmington receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunshine for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Wilmington are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Wilmington is around the national average, with some variability throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Wilmington 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:
- The system generates electricity, reducing the need to purchase from the grid.
- Given Wilmington’s electricity rates, the savings will add up over time.
After calculations, it appears it would take approximately 4-5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 4-5 years, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years after that initial payback period. Investing in solar energy not only helps save money but also allows you to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
Investing in solar power in Wilmington Delaware
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Wilmington, Delaware, it is evident that installing solar panels can lead to significant savings in the long run. With Wilmington receiving ample sunshine despite high precipitation levels and slightly lower UV ratings, solar energy remains a viable option for residents. Furthermore, with electricity costs below the national average, transitioning to solar power can further reduce monthly bills. By breaking down the initial cost of a solar system and calculating the time it would take to break even, it is clear that investing in solar energy is a financially beneficial decision. Not only will homeowners start seeing savings on their electricity bills within a few years, but they will also contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment for future generations.