Overview
In Barnard, Kansas, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings in the long run. By analyzing weather patterns and electricity costs specific to Barnard, we have determined that a solar system can help you break even on initial costs in a relatively short amount of time. This article will provide you with key data points and estimates to help you make an informed decision about going solar and reaping the financial benefits it can bring.
Barnard Kansas Weather Trends
Barnard Precipitation
With only 30.02 inches of precipitation in the last year, Barnard Kansas ranks in the 12th percentile in the nation and the 3rd percentile in Kansas. This lower level of rainfall means less interference with sunlight and more potential for solar energy production compared to areas with higher precipitation levels.
Barnard’s UV Rating
Even with an average UV rating of 4.73, which places Barnard in the 71st percentile in the nation, the region still receives plenty of sunlight for solar energy. The higher UV rating compared to the national average of 4.29 indicates more intense sunlight, making it a great opportunity for solar panel installation and energy generation.
Barnard’s Cloud Cover
At an average of 33% cloud cover in the last year, Barnard finds itself in the 10th percentile in the nation. This lower cloud cover percentage implies more sunny days for solar energy production. With fewer cloudy days compared to the national average of 44.46%, Barnard provides an ideal environment for solar panels to thrive and generate electricity.
Barnard Kansas Electricity Costs
Residents in Barnard pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, placing the town in the 65th percentile in the nation and the 66th percentile in Kansas. While the cost is on par with the national and state averages, investing in solar panels can still lead to significant financial savings over time. By generating your own electricity, you can reduce your reliance on the grid and take advantage of the abundant sunlight Barnard receives.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Barnard Kansas?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Barnard 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:
- Barnard Kansas receives less precipitation than the national average, making it suitable for solar panel installations.
- The average UV ratings in Barnard Kansas are higher than the national average, indicating good conditions for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Barnard Kansas is lower than the national average, with a variety of cloud cover percentages throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Barnard Kansas pay the national average for electricity.
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, the savings from solar power are significant over time.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Barnard Kansas. This means that after 5 years, the savings on electricity bills will start to offset the investment cost. Additionally, since solar panels have a lifespan of up to 30 years, the long-term savings and benefits will continue for many years. Investing in solar panels not only helps save money but also contributes to environmental preservation.
Investing in solar power in Barnard Kansas
Investing in solar panels for your home in Barnard, Kansas can be a financially wise decision. By taking advantage of the region’s weather patterns and electricity costs, homeowners can expect to break even on the initial investment in approximately 5 years. With abundant sunlight, lower cloud cover, and average electricity rates, solar panel installations offer significant savings over their 25 to 30-year lifespan. Making the switch to solar energy not only helps save money on electricity bills but also contributes to environmental conservation in the long run.