Overview
Are you a Benton Louisiana resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? If so, installing solar panels on your home could be a smart financial decision for you. By analyzing weather data specific to Benton, such as average UV rating, inches of precipitation, and percentage of cloud cover, we can estimate the potential savings of a solar system over the course of a year. In this article, we will break down the cost of a solar system, calculate how long it will take to break even, and show you just how much money you could save by making the switch to solar energy.
Benton Louisiana Weather Trends
Benton Precipitation
With Benton Louisiana receiving only 11.92 inches of precipitation last year, ranking it in the 2nd percentile nationally and in Louisiana, the low levels of rainfall make it an ideal location for solar panel installation. Comparing this to the national average of 50.61 inches and Louisiana’s average of 52.6 inches, it’s clear that Benton’s drier climate is well-suited for harnessing solar energy to save on electricity bills.
Benton’s UV Rating
Benton Louisiana boasts an impressive average UV rating of 6.01, ranking it in the 96th percentile nationally and the 93rd percentile in Louisiana. Compared to the national average of 4.29 and Louisiana’s average of 5.69, Benton’s higher UV ratings signal ample sunlight for solar panel efficiency. With an average max UV rating of 6.65 also in Benton, this abundant sun exposure further solidifies the region’s solar potential.
Benton’s Cloud Cover
Recording an average of 21% cloud cover last year, Benton Louisiana ranks in the 2nd percentile nationally and in Louisiana. In comparison, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, and Louisiana’s average is 40.63%. With 239 days of minimal cloud cover and fewer cloudy days, Benton provides a clear sky advantage for maximizing solar energy production throughout the year.
Benton Louisiana Electricity Costs
Residents of Benton pay a reasonable $0.09 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, positioning the area in the 4th percentile nationally and the 25th percentile in Louisiana. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, and Louisiana’s average is $0.1/kw. With lower electricity costs in Benton, investing in solar panels can lead to substantial savings on power bills over time.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Benton Louisiana?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Benton, Louisiana, 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:
- Benton receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The average UV ratings in Benton are higher than the national average, which is great for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Benton is lower than the national average, with many clear days throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Benton pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which can impact the 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 needed from the grid, especially considering Benton’s lower electricity rates.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 4 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 4 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to add up and pay off the investment. Plus, solar panels last for a long time, so you’ll be enjoying those savings for many years after the initial investment is recouped. It’s a smart financial decision that also benefits the environment!
Investing in solar power in Benton Louisiana
By analyzing Benton, Louisiana’s weather trends and electricity costs, it’s clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings on electricity bills over time. With low levels of precipitation, high UV ratings, and minimal cloud cover, Benton is an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. Considering the initial cost of a solar system and the annual savings it can provide, residents of Benton could expect to break even on their investment in solar panels in approximately 4 years. This smart financial decision not only saves money but also benefits the environment, making it a win-win choice for Benton Louisiana residents.