Overview
In Clarkedale, Arkansas, installing solar panels on your home can result in significant financial savings over time. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, it is evident that solar energy is a viable option for residents looking to lower their utility bills. With a breakdown of the cost of a solar system and an estimate of the time it will take to break even, this article aims to convince Clarkedale residents of the long-term benefits of going solar.
Clarkedale Arkansas Weather Trends
Clarkedale Precipitation
With Clarkedale receiving 48.08 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is evident that the area gets a decent amount of rainfall. While this puts Clarkedale in the 44th percentile in the nation and the 15th percentile in Arkansas, it is still below the national and state averages of 50.61 inches and 54.5 inches, respectively. By harnessing solar energy, residents can take advantage of sunny days to offset any energy consumption during rainy periods.
Clarkedale’s UV Rating
Clarkedale’s average UV rating of 5.01 in the last year indicates that the area receives a good amount of sunshine. This places Clarkedale in the 78th percentile in the nation and the 42nd percentile in Arkansas. Compared to the national average of 4.29 and Arkansas’s average of 5.13, it is clear that Clarkedale enjoys an above-average amount of sunlight. This abundance of sunshine can be maximized by installing solar panels to generate clean and renewable energy.
Clarkedale’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 38%, Clarkedale enjoys relatively clear skies throughout the year. This places Clarkedale in the 20th percentile in the nation and the 40th percentile in Arkansas. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while Arkansas’s average is 38.77%. With a high number of days with minimal cloud cover, residents have ample opportunities to generate solar energy efficiently and consistently, making it a wise investment for long-term savings.
Clarkedale Arkansas Electricity Costs
Residents of Clarkedale pay about $0.11/kw for electricity, putting them in the 31st percentile in the nation and the 79th percentile in Arkansas. Although this is in line with the state average, which is also $0.11/kw, it is slightly lower than the national average of $0.13/kw. By installing solar panels, residents can significantly reduce their reliance on traditional grid electricity and lower their utility bills even further, ultimately leading to substantial cost savings over time.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Clarkedale Arkansas?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Clarkedale Arkansas, 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:
- Clarkedale Arkansas receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Clarkedale Arkansas are higher than the national average, indicating good potential for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Clarkedale Arkansas is lower than the national average, with a good number of days having low cloud cover ideal for solar energy production.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Clarkedale Arkansas pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which can lead to lower savings from using solar power.
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 purchased from the grid and saving money on electricity costs.
- With lower electricity rates in Clarkedale Arkansas, the savings may be slightly lower compared to areas with higher rates.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 6 to 7 years, on average, to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Clarkedale Arkansas. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years, making it a viable investment option. It’s a smart way to save money and contribute to a sustainable future!
Investing in solar power in Clarkedale Arkansas
Installing solar panels in Clarkedale, Arkansas is a wise decision for residents looking to save money on their electricity bills in the long run. With above-average sunlight, low cloud cover, and reasonable electricity costs, solar energy can provide significant savings over time. By investing in a solar system, residents can expect to break even on their initial cost within 6 to 7 years, leading to continued savings for decades to come. Going solar not only benefits individual homeowners financially but also contributes to a more sustainable future for Clarkedale and the environment as a whole.