Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Carbondale, KS: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Carbondale, KS at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
6.4/10 8.7/10 8.3/10 6.8/10 8.2/10
Pretty Good 35% daily 3 inches monthly 4.6 on average 0.14/kw

Overview

Are you looking for a way to save money on your electricity bills in Carbondale, Kansas? Installing solar panels on your home could be the answer you’ve been searching for. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Carbondale, we have calculated the potential financial benefits of investing in a solar system. In this article, we will break down the cost of a solar system, estimate how long it will take to break even, and show you how you can start saving money in the long run.

Carbondale Kansas Weather Trends

Carbondale Precipitation

With Carbondale receiving 34.27 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the city experiences moderate rainfall. While this puts Carbondale below the national average of 50.61 inches, it is higher than the Kansas average of 38.26 inches. By harnessing the power of solar energy, you can make use of the sunlight during rainy days to generate electricity efficiently.

Carbondale’s UV Rating

Carbondale’s average UV rating of 4.62 in the last year indicates that the city enjoys good sunlight throughout the year. This places Carbondale above the national average of 4.29 but slightly below the Kansas average of 4.72. Having a higher UV rating means more solar energy is available for conversion, making it an ideal location for installing solar panels to maximize energy production.

Carbondale’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 35% cloud cover, Carbondale experiences fewer cloudy days compared to the national average of 44.46%. Although it is slightly higher than the Kansas average of 34.62%, clear skies can significantly benefit solar panel efficiency. With more sunny days, you can expect increased solar energy production and savings on your electricity bills.

Carbondale Kansas Electricity Costs

Residents in Carbondale pay about $0.14/kw for electricity, which is above the national average of $0.13/kw. However, it is on par with the Kansas average of $0.13/kw. By investing in solar panels, you can reduce your reliance on traditional electricity sources, lower your monthly bills, and contribute to a greener environment for Carbondale and beyond.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Carbondale Kansas?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Carbondale Kansas, 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:

  • Carbondale Kansas receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar panel installation.
  • The average UV ratings in Carbondale Kansas are higher than the national average, indicating good conditions for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Carbondale Kansas is lower than the national average, with a good number of sunny days throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Carbondale Kansas 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 need to purchase electricity from the grid.
  • With Carbondale Kansas’s electricity rates, the savings from solar power usage can be significant.

After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5-6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond the payback period. Investing in solar panels not only saves money but also contributes to a greener environment. It’s a win-win situation!

Investing in solar power in Carbondale Kansas

After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to Carbondale, Kansas, it is clear that investing in solar panels can provide significant financial benefits. With moderate precipitation, good sunlight exposure, and fewer cloudy days, Carbondale is an ideal location for solar energy production. Residents paying slightly above the national average for electricity can expect to break even on a solar installation in approximately 5-6 years. Beyond the initial payback period, the long lifespan of solar panels ensures continued savings and a greener environment for the future. By harnessing the power of solar energy, residents in Carbondale can start saving money and reducing their carbon footprint for years to come.