Overview
In Omaha Nebraska, investing in solar panels for your home can lead to significant long-term financial benefits. By analyzing 365 days of weather data and basic electricity costs, we will show you how much money you can save by going solar. We will break down the costs of a solar system, estimate the time it will take to break even, and highlight the potential savings you can enjoy by harnessing the power of the sun for your energy needs.
Omaha Nebraska Weather Trends
Omaha Precipitation
With 30.66 inches of precipitation in the last year, Omaha Nebraska ranks in the 13th percentile in the nation and the 26th percentile in Nebraska. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Omaha receives less rainfall, which is beneficial for harnessing solar energy efficiently. Additionally, Nebraska’s average total precipitation of 36.89 inches is higher than Omaha’s, making Omaha a great location for solar panel installation.
Omaha’s UV Rating
Omaha Nebraska boasts an average UV rating of 4.4, placing it in the 61st percentile nationwide and the 68th percentile in Nebraska. This higher UV rating means more sunlight exposure, ideal for generating solar power. With an average max UV rating of 4.82, Omaha continues to provide ample sunlight for efficient solar panel performance, surpassing both the national and state averages.
Omaha’s Cloud Cover
In the last year, Omaha Nebraska had an average of 38% cloud cover, positioning it in the 19th percentile nationally and the 59th percentile within Nebraska. With 145 days featuring between 0% and 25% cloud cover, residents can expect plenty of sunny days for optimum solar energy production. Omaha’s lower cloud cover percentages compared to the national average of 44.46% makes it an ideal location for harnessing solar power.
Omaha Nebraska Electricity Costs
Omaha Nebraska residents enjoy affordable electricity costs at around $0.1 per kilowatt-hour, placing them in the 15th percentile nationwide and the 58th percentile in Nebraska. With the national average at $0.13/kw, Omaha’s lower electricity costs make switching to solar an even more financially attractive option. By investing in solar panels, residents can offset rising electricity prices and save money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Omaha Nebraska?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Omaha Nebraska, 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:
- Omaha Nebraska receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar energy production.
- The UV ratings in Omaha Nebraska are higher than the national average, providing ample sunlight for solar panels to generate power effectively.
- Cloud cover in Omaha Nebraska is below the national average, with a good number of days having low or no cloud cover that is ideal for solar energy production.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Omaha Nebraska pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, making solar energy even more cost-effective.
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 need to purchase as much electricity from the grid.
- With Omaha Nebraska’s lower electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are substantial.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 4 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 4 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment cost. And since solar panels have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, you will continue to enjoy these savings for many more years, making it a smart financial and environmental decision.
Investing in solar power in Omaha Nebraska
Investing in solar panels in Omaha, Nebraska can be a smart financial decision in the long run. With lower precipitation, higher UV ratings, and less cloud cover than national averages, Omaha provides an ideal environment for harnessing solar energy efficiently. Residents also benefit from affordable electricity costs, making solar an even more attractive option. Based on the data, a break-even point for a solar panel installation in Omaha could be around 4 years, with savings continuing for many more years. By going solar, residents can not only save money but also contribute positively to the environment by utilizing clean energy sources.