Overview
In sunny Barstow, California, installing solar panels on your home can be a cost-effective way to save money on electricity bills. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, we will show you how a solar system can help you break even in a reasonable amount of time. Let’s explore the financial benefits of going solar in Barstow.
Barstow California Weather Trends
Barstow Precipitation
With only 6.29 inches of precipitation in the last year, Barstow is in the 0th percentile in the nation and the 2nd percentile in California. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and California’s average of 31.54 inches, Barstow receives significantly less rainfall. This means less wear and tear on your solar panels, allowing them to operate efficiently for a longer period of time.
Barstow’s UV Rating
Barstow has an average UV rating of 5.28, putting it in the 84th percentile in the nation and the 74th percentile in California. When compared to the national average of 4.29 and California’s average of 4.76, it’s clear that Barstow receives ample sunlight. This high UV rating means that your solar panels will consistently generate electricity, leading to more savings on your electricity bills.
Barstow’s Cloud Cover
Barstow experiences an average of 15% cloud cover, placing it in the 0th percentile in the nation and the 3rd percentile in California. In comparison, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46% and California’s average is 31.53%. With so many clear days, Barstow is the perfect location for solar panels to capture sunlight effectively and produce maximum energy output.
Barstow California Electricity Costs
Barstow residents pay approximately $0.18/kw for electricity, ranking them in the 97th percentile in the nation and the 45th percentile in California. While the national average is $0.13/kw and California’s average is $0.21/kw, Barstow’s electricity costs are on the higher side. By installing solar panels, you can significantly reduce your reliance on traditional electricity sources and save a substantial amount on your utility bills every month.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Barstow California?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Barstow, 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:
- Barstow receives significantly less precipitation than the national average, making it an ideal location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Barstow are higher than the national average, providing excellent conditions for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Barstow is much lower than the national average, with the majority of days having very little cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Barstow pay slightly more for electricity compared to the national average.
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 money on electricity bills.
- With Barstow’s electricity rates, the savings from using solar power will be significant.
After calculating the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for a long time, the savings will continue for many years beyond that initial period. Investing in solar power is a wise financial decision that also benefits the environment!
Investing in solar power in Barstow California
Installing solar panels in Barstow, California can be a smart financial move due to the city’s weather conditions and electricity costs. With ample sunlight, low precipitation, and high UV ratings, solar panels in Barstow can generate electricity efficiently and lead to significant savings on electricity bills. By breaking down the costs and savings, it is evident that investing in solar power can lead to breaking even in approximately 6 years, with long-term financial benefits beyond that. Switching to solar energy not only saves money but also helps protect the environment, making it a wise choice for residents in Barstow.