Overview
Are you a resident of Augusta, Kentucky looking to save money on your electricity bills? In this article, we will explore how installing solar panels on your home can not only reduce your monthly expenses but also help you break even on the initial investment in a relatively short amount of time. By examining weather data specific to Augusta, as well as the cost of a solar system, we will show you how going solar can be a smart financial decision for you and your family.
Augusta Kentucky Weather Trends
Augusta Precipitation
With Augusta Kentucky receiving 50.05 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the area experiences a moderate amount of rainfall. Comparing this to the national average of 50.61 inches, Augusta falls slightly below. Amongst other locations in Kentucky, Augusta ranks in the 22nd percentile. Despite not being the rainiest city, the consistent rainfall can still benefit solar panel efficiency.
Augusta’s UV Rating
In terms of UV rating, Augusta Kentucky boasts an average rating of 4.14 over the last year. This places Augusta in the 51st percentile nationally, indicating a decent amount of sunlight exposure. When compared to the rest of Kentucky, Augusta is in the 6th percentile, which might seem low. However, with an average max UV rating of 4.45, Augusta’s potential for solar energy production is quite promising.
Augusta’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average cloud cover of 50% in the last year, Augusta Kentucky still remains a viable location for solar panel installation due to the frequency of sunny days. While this percentage is higher than the national and state averages at 44.46% and 45.75% respectively, Augusta had a significant number of clear sky days throughout the year. With 88 days of minimal cloud cover, residents can capitalize on solar energy production on a regular basis.
Augusta Kentucky Electricity Costs
Residents of Augusta Kentucky enjoy relatively low electricity costs at about $0.1/kw. This places Augusta in the 15th percentile nationally, showcasing the affordability of energy in the area. Compared to the rest of Kentucky with an average of $0.11/kw, Augusta stands out as a cost-effective location for utilizing solar panels to generate electricity, leading to long-term savings.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Augusta Kentucky?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Augusta Kentucky, 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:
- Augusta Kentucky receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Augusta are slightly below the national average, but still conducive for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Augusta is slightly above the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Augusta Kentucky pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which can impact the potential savings from 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 needed from the grid and saving costs.
- With lower electricity rates in Augusta, the savings may take longer to cover the initial cost.
After analyzing the data, it may take around 7-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Augusta Kentucky. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, with solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, there will be many more years of savings to enjoy in the future. Investing in solar panels proves to be a wise financial decision in the long run, providing both economic benefits and environmental advantages.
Investing in solar power in Augusta Kentucky
Investing in solar panels in Augusta, Kentucky can be a smart financial decision, with potential savings outweighing the initial investment. By analyzing the weather trends specific to Augusta, as well as the relatively low electricity costs in the area, it is evident that residents can expect to break even on their solar installation within 7-10 years. With solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, the long-term savings and environmental benefits make going solar a wise choice for families looking to reduce their monthly expenses in the long run.