Overview
Are you a Bakersfield resident looking to save money on your electricity bill? Installing solar panels on your home could be the answer you’ve been searching for. By analyzing weather data specific to Bakersfield, along with basic electricity costs, we will show you how much you could potentially save by investing in a solar system. Learn about the financial benefits of going solar and how long it might take for you to break even on your investment.
Bakersfield California Weather Trends
Bakersfield Precipitation
With only 20.85 inches of precipitation in the last year, Bakersfield ranks in the 6th percentile nationwide and the 35th percentile in California. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and California’s 31.54 inches, Bakersfield’s low rainfall makes it an ideal location for solar energy.
Bakersfield’s UV Rating
Bakersfield’s average UV rating of 5.47 places it in the 88th percentile in the nation and the 87th percentile in California. When looking at the national average of 4.29 and California’s 4.76, Bakersfield’s high UV rating means that solar panels in this area will receive ample sunlight to generate electricity efficiently. In addition, the city’s average max UV rating of 6.15 further enhances the potential for solar energy production.
Bakersfield’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 24%, Bakersfield is in the 3rd percentile nationwide and the 22nd percentile in California. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and California’s average of 31.53%, Bakersfield experiences clear skies for the majority of the year, optimizing the conditions for solar panel performance throughout the day.
Bakersfield California Electricity Costs
Bakersfield residents pay about $0.24/kw for electricity, ranking the city in the 99th percentile nationally and the 96th percentile in California. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while California’s average is $0.21/kw. With higher electricity costs in Bakersfield, investing in solar panels can offer significant long-term savings on energy bills.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Bakersfield California?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Bakersfield, California, 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:
- Bakersfield receives less rainfall than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Bakersfield are higher than the national average, which is great for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Bakersfield is lower than the national average, with many clear days throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Bakersfield pay more for electricity compared to the national average, at $0.24/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:
- By generating electricity from solar panels, you’ll reduce the amount you need to buy from the grid and save money.
- With Bakersfield’s higher electricity rates, the savings will be even more significant.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6-7 years, the money you save on electricity bills will start to pay off the investment. And remember, solar panels last for a long time, so after that initial period, you’ll continue to enjoy those savings for many years to come. Investing in solar panels is a wise decision for both your wallet and the environment!
Investing in solar power in Bakersfield California
With Bakersfield’s ideal weather conditions for solar energy production and higher-than-average electricity costs, investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings on your energy bills. After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 6-7 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar system in Bakersfield. From that point on, you will continue to save money on electricity for many more years, making solar panels a smart and sustainable investment for both your finances and the environment.