Overview
With the rising costs of electricity in Fort Scott, Kansas, installing solar panels on your home could be a smart financial move. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, we will show you how a solar system can save you money in the long run. We will break down the cost of installation and estimate how quickly you can break even on your investment, demonstrating the significant financial benefits of going solar in Fort Scott.
Fort Scott Kansas Weather Trends
Fort Scott Precipitation
In the last year, Fort Scott Kansas received 43.71 inches of precipitation, placing it in the 35th percentile in the nation and the 83rd percentile in Kansas. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Kansas’s average is 38.26 inches. Despite being lower than the national average, Fort Scott still receives a significant amount of precipitation, making it a viable location for solar panel installation.
Fort Scott’s UV Rating
Over the last year, Fort Scott Kansas had an average UV rating of 4.77, ranking it in the 72nd percentile nationwide and the 54th percentile in Kansas. In comparison, the national average for average UV rating is 4.29, with Kansas averaging 4.72. Moreover, Fort Scott’s average max UV rating of 5.22 places it in the 61st percentile nationally and the 60th percentile within Kansas. These high UV ratings make Fort Scott an ideal location for solar panels to harness the abundant sunlight effectively.
Fort Scott’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 36% cloud cover in the last year, Fort Scott Kansas is in the 16th percentile countrywide and the 87th percentile in Kansas. In contrast, the national average for average cloud cover is 44.46%, and Kansas averages 34.62%. Additionally, Fort Scott experienced 168 days with clear skies and just 48 days with heavy cloud cover. This means that residents can benefit from ample sunshine for their solar panels to generate maximum energy output.
Fort Scott Kansas Electricity Costs
Fort Scott residents pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, positioning the city in the 69th percentile nationally and the 72nd percentile within Kansas. Comparatively, the national average for residential electricity is also $0.13/kw, while Kansas’s average matches that. With relatively affordable electricity rates and favorable weather conditions, investing in solar panels in Fort Scott can lead to significant long-term cost savings.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Fort Scott Kansas?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Fort Scott Kansas, 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:
- Fort Scott Kansas receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Fort Scott Kansas are higher than the national average, creating good conditions for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Fort Scott Kansas is below the national average, with a good number of sunny days throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Fort Scott Kansas pay the national average for electricity, making it a reasonable cost for solar panel investment.
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 from the grid.
- With average electricity rates in Fort Scott Kansas, the savings will gradually offset the initial investment.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 10 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to compensate for the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue to accumulate for many years beyond that initial period. Investing in solar panels not only provides financial benefits in the long run but also contributes to environmental conservation.
Investing in solar power in Fort Scott Kansas
Installing solar panels in Fort Scott, Kansas can be a financially wise decision due to the city’s weather conditions and electricity costs. With higher UV ratings, lower cloud cover, and average electricity rates, residents can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels in approximately 10 years. Not only will this save money in the long run, but it will also contribute to environmental conservation. Consider going solar in Fort Scott to reap these significant benefits.