Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Austin, TX: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Austin, TX at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
5.2/10 6.9/10 7.4/10 9.6/10 2/10
Pretty Good 41% daily 3 inches monthly 6 on average 0.11/kw

Overview

If you live in Austin, Texas, and are looking to save money on your electricity bill, installing solar panels on your home is a smart choice. By analyzing weather data, including precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover, we can show you how much energy you can generate from the sun year-round. With basic electricity costs factored in, we will break down the initial investment of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even. Save money and reduce your carbon footprint by making the switch to solar power in Austin.

Austin Texas Weather Trends

Austin Precipitation

With Austin receiving 39.03 inches of precipitation in the last year, you may be surprised to learn that the city falls below the national and state average. This means that you could potentially capitalize on more sunny days compared to other locations in Texas and across the country. By harnessing the power of the sun, you can generate even more energy to save on your electricity bills over time.

Austin’s UV Rating

When it comes to UV ratings, Austin stands out with an average rating of 6.02, ranking higher than both the national and state averages. With more sunny days and intense sunlight, installing solar panels in Austin can lead to increased energy generation and savings on your electricity bills. Take advantage of Austin’s high UV ratings to benefit from solar power all year round.

Austin’s Cloud Cover

Despite having an average of 41% cloud cover in the last year, Austin’s cloud cover percentage remains below the national average. This means that there are plenty of clear days for solar panels to efficiently convert sunlight into energy for your home. With a lower cloud cover percentage compared to other areas, Austin offers ideal conditions for maximizing the benefits of solar power.

Austin Texas Electricity Costs

With Austin residents paying $0.11/kw for electricity, you have the opportunity to save even more money by switching to solar power. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw, Austin’s electricity costs are relatively lower, making solar panel installation a cost-effective choice for your home. By making the switch to solar power, you can not only save money but also reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Austin Texas?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Austin, Texas, 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:

  • Austin gets less rain than the national average and has higher than average UV ratings, making it perfect for solar panels.
  • Cloud cover in Austin is slightly below the national average, with variations throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Austin pay a bit less for electricity compared to the national average, which is good news for savings with 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, which means we don’t need to buy as much from the grid.
  • With Austin’s lower electricity rates, the savings are still significant.

After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. That means, after 7 years, the money you save on electricity bills will start to add up and pay off the investment. And don’t forget, 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 wise investment for both your wallet and the environment!

Investing in solar power in Austin Texas

Switching to solar power in Austin, Texas, is a smart decision for both your wallet and the environment. With favorable weather conditions, including lower precipitation, higher UV ratings, and less cloud cover, solar panels can generate ample energy to save you money on electricity bills. With electricity costs in Austin being relatively lower than the national average, the initial investment in solar panels can be recouped in around 7 years. After that, you’ll continue to enjoy savings for many more years. By investing in solar power, you not only save money but also reduce your carbon footprint, making it a beneficial choice for your home in Austin.