Overview
Living in Sterling, Kansas comes with its fair share of electricity costs, but with the abundance of sunshine this area receives, installing solar panels on your home could be a financially beneficial decision. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, we can break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to start seeing a return on your investment. Let’s explore the potential savings of going solar in Sterling, Kansas.
Sterling Kansas Weather Trends
Sterling Precipitation
With Sterling, Kansas receiving 36.74 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is below the national average of 50.61 inches. However, compared to the rest of Kansas, Sterling falls slightly below the state’s average of 38.26 inches. By harnessing the power of the abundant sunshine in Sterling, homeowners can offset their electricity costs and potentially see significant savings over time.
Sterling’s UV Rating
In the last year, Sterling, Kansas had an average UV rating of 4.84, placing it above both the national average of 4.29 and the Kansas average of 4.72. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 5.27, Sterling’s potential for solar energy generation is higher than both the national and state averages. By installing solar panels, residents can take advantage of this plentiful resource to reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources.
Sterling’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 33% in Sterling, Kansas, residents enjoy clearer skies compared to both the national average of 44.46% and the state average of 34.62%. Additionally, with a significant number of days experiencing minimal cloud cover, Sterling presents an ideal environment for solar energy production. By investing in solar panels, homeowners can maximize their energy savings during these sunny days.
Sterling Kansas Electricity Costs
Residents in Sterling, Kansas pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, which aligns with the national average. Compared to the rest of Kansas, Sterling’s electricity costs are also on par with the state average. By switching to solar energy, homeowners can reduce their reliance on grid electricity and protect themselves against potential future price increases. With the ample sunshine in Sterling, the investment in solar panels can lead to long-term financial benefits.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Sterling Kansas?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Sterling, 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:
- Sterling has slightly less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Sterling are higher than the national average, making it a great location for solar power generation.
- Cloud cover in Sterling is lower than the national average, with a good number of sunny days throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Sterling pay the national average for electricity, which is $0.13/kw.
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, which means we don’t need to buy as much from the grid.
- With Sterling’s average electricity rates, the savings are decent.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. That means, after 8 years, the money you save on electricity bills will start to add up and pay off the investment. And remember, solar panels last for a long time, so after that initial period, you’ll be enjoying those savings for many years to come. It’s a smart way to save money and help the environment at the same time!
Investing in solar power in Sterling Kansas
Considering the weather trends and electricity costs in Sterling, Kansas, investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term financial benefits. With above-average UV ratings, lower cloud cover, and electricity costs in line with the national average, installing a solar system could result in savings that outweigh the initial investment. Based on our analysis, it’s estimated that homeowners in Sterling could break even on their solar installation in about 8 years. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and provide a return on investment. Overall, going solar in Sterling, Kansas is not only a financially smart decision but also a way to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and contribute to a greener environment.