Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Windsor, NC: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Windsor, NC at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.8/10 6/10 1.7/10 7.4/10 8.9/10
Not Bad 42% daily 6 inches monthly 4.8 on average 0.14/kw

Overview

Harnessing the power of the sun to generate energy for your home in Windsor, North Carolina can lead to significant savings on your electricity bill. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to your area, we will show you how installing solar panels can help you break even on your investment in a reasonable amount of time. Let us break down the numbers for you and demonstrate the financial benefits of going solar in Windsor.

Windsor North Carolina Weather Trends

Windsor Precipitation

With Windsor, North Carolina receiving 66.28 inches of precipitation in the last year, you may be concerned about how this affects solar panel efficiency. Rest assured, Windsor’s precipitation levels are in the 83rd percentile nationwide and the 60th percentile within North Carolina. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while North Carolina sees an average of 65.54 inches annually.

Windsor’s UV Rating

At an average UV rating of 4.82, Windsor, North Carolina shines brightly in the solar energy potential department, ranking in the 74th percentile nationally and the 59th percentile in the state. To put it into perspective, the national average UV rating is 4.29, and North Carolina’s average stands at 4.72. In terms of the highest UV rating, Windsor hits 5.16 on average, putting it ahead of the national average of 4.61 and the North Carolina average of 5.06.

Windsor’s Cloud Cover

Despite the 42% average cloud cover in Windsor, North Carolina, the region still offers ample sunlight for solar panel efficiency. This places Windsor in the 40th percentile nationwide and the 68th percentile within North Carolina. The national average for cloud cover sits at 44.46%, while North Carolina hovers around 42.57%. Additionally, Windsor had a fair distribution of clear to cloudy days, providing consistent access to solar energy.

Windsor North Carolina Electricity Costs

Windsor North Carolina residents benefit from an electricity cost of $0.14/kw, positioning them comfortably in the 89th percentile nationwide and the 97th percentile within North Carolina. However, the national average for residential electricity is slightly lower at $0.13/kw, with North Carolina’s average even more favorable at $0.12/kw. By investing in solar power, you can take advantage of Windsor’s higher-than-average electricity costs to save significantly on your energy bills in the long run.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Windsor North Carolina?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Windsor 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:

  • Windsor North Carolina receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has plenty of sun for solar panels to be effective.
  • The UV ratings are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Windsor North Carolina pay slightly more 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 system generates electricity, reducing the amount purchased from the grid.
  • With slightly higher electricity rates in Windsor North Carolina, the savings are a bit greater.

After calculations, it appears that it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, solar panels have a long lifespan, so beyond that initial period, you’ll enjoy these savings for many years. It’s a wise way to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment!

Investing in solar power in Windsor North Carolina

After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Windsor, North Carolina, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings on your electricity bill. Despite receiving higher precipitation levels than the national average, Windsor still has ample sunlight for solar panel efficiency. With an above-average UV rating and slightly lower cloud cover, this region is ideal for harnessing solar energy. Residents also benefit from higher-than-average electricity costs, making the payback period for a solar installation in Windsor around 6 years. This investment not only helps save money in the long run but also contributes to a cleaner environment. So, considering the financial benefits and environmental impact, going solar in Windsor is a smart choice.