Overview
In South West City Missouri, investing in solar panels for your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, it is clear that solar energy is a reliable and cost-effective option. With average annual precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover taken into consideration, homeowners can expect to see a substantial decrease in their electricity bills over time. By breaking down the cost of a solar system and estimating the break-even point, residents can make an informed decision to switch to solar energy and start saving money in the long run.
South West City Missouri Weather Trends
South West City Precipitation
With South West City Missouri receiving 56.69 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is evident that the area is well-suited for solar energy. Compared to the rest of the country, South West City falls in the 63rd percentile, while in Missouri, it ranks even higher in the 92nd percentile. With a national average of 50.61 inches and a state average of 47.04 inches, South West City’s higher rainfall makes it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
South West City’s UV Rating
South West City Missouri boasts an average UV rating of 4.84, placing it in the 74th percentile nationally and the 94th percentile within Missouri. Compared to the national average of 4.29 and the state average of 4.59, residents can take advantage of the higher UV exposure in the area. With an average max UV rating of 5.28, South West City continues to outshine the rest of the country and state, making it a prime location for solar panel efficiency.
South West City’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 36% in the last year, South West City Missouri stands in the 15th percentile nationally and the 4th percentile within the state. In comparison, the national average sits at 44.46%, while Missouri’s average is 39.07%. With a significant number of days experiencing minimal cloud cover, homeowners in South West City can rely on consistent sunlight for their solar panels, maximizing energy production throughout the year.
South West City Missouri Electricity Costs
Residential electricity costs in South West City Missouri are around $0.12/kw, placing the city in the 49th percentile nationally and the 67th percentile within Missouri. Although slightly below the national average of $0.13/kw, South West City’s rates are higher than the state average of $0.11/kw. By switching to solar energy, residents can reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources and save money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in South West City Missouri?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in South West City Missouri, 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:
- South West City Missouri receives slightly more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sun for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in South West City Missouri are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in South West City Missouri is lower than the national average, with a good number of clear days throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in South West City Missouri 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. Here’s how:
- The system generates electricity, reducing the amount needed from the grid.
- With the lower electricity rates in South West City Missouri, the savings are still substantial.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 5-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5-7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. And since solar panels have a long lifespan, you’ll continue to benefit from these savings for many years. Investing in solar power is not only a financial gain, but also a contribution to a cleaner environment.
Investing in solar power in South West City Missouri
Investing in solar panels in South West City, Missouri is a wise decision for residents looking to save money in the long run. With higher than average precipitation, UV ratings, and lower cloud cover, the area is ideal for solar energy. By considering the slightly lower electricity costs and the initial investment in solar panels, residents can expect to break even within 5-7 years. The financial benefits, coupled with the positive impact on the environment, make switching to solar power a smart choice for homeowners in South West City.