Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Charleston, MO: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Charleston, MO at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.1/10 7.6/10 3.8/10 7.1/10 2.1/10
Not Bad 39% daily 5 inches monthly 4.7 on average 0.11/kw

Overview

Are you a Charleston Missouri resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home can help you do just that! In this article, we will break down the financial benefits of installing a solar system in Charleston, Missouri, using data collected over 365 days to show you how much you could save. By examining the average cost of electricity, weather conditions, and the cost of a solar system, we will estimate how long it will take for you to break even on your investment. Get ready to discover how solar power can make a significant impact on your wallet!

Charleston Missouri Weather Trends

Charleston Precipitation

Charleston Missouri received 56.09 inches of precipitation in the last year, ranking it in the 62nd percentile in the nation and the 91st percentile in Missouri. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Missouri’s average of 47.04 inches, Charleston’s higher rainfall offers great potential for generating solar power through rainwater collection for added environmental benefits.

Charleston’s UV Rating

With an average UV rating of 4.73 in the last year, Charleston is in the 71st percentile in the nation and the 79th percentile in Missouri. Its average max UV rating of 5.13, also above national and state averages, indicates strong sunlight for optimal solar panel energy production. Harnessing this abundant sunshine can significantly reduce your reliance on traditional power sources, saving you money in the long run.

Charleston’s Cloud Cover

Charleston Missouri experienced an average cloud cover of 39% over the last year, placing it in the 24th percentile nationally and the 64th percentile in Missouri. With 137 days of minimal cloud cover, there are ample opportunities for your solar panels to absorb maximum sunlight. Less cloud cover means greater solar energy production potential, translating to increased savings on your electricity bills over time.

Charleston Missouri Electricity Costs

Residents of Charleston pay about $0.11/kw for electricity, ranking the city in the 21st percentile nationally and the 20th percentile in Missouri. With the national average at $0.13/kw, Charleston’s lower electricity costs make investing in solar panels even more financially advantageous. By generating your electricity through solar power, you can shield yourself from future electricity price increases and enjoy significant savings over the life of your solar system.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Charleston Missouri?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Charleston, Missouri, 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:

  • Charleston receives slightly more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sun for solar panels to be effective.
  • The UV ratings in Charleston are slightly higher than the national average, which is great for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Charleston is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Charleston pay a bit less 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 determine 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 from the grid.
  • With Charleston’s lower electricity rates, the savings are still significant.

After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 5 years to recoup the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you will continue to enjoy these savings for many years after the initial payback period. Investing in solar panels is a wise choice to save money and contribute to a greener environment!

Investing in solar power in Charleston Missouri

Considering the weather trends and electricity costs in Charleston, Missouri, investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings. With higher than average UV ratings, lower cloud cover, and electricity costs below the national average, residents can expect to break even on their solar panel investment in approximately 5 years. Not only will this initial investment pay off, but the savings from using solar power will continue to accumulate for many years to come. By harnessing the power of the sun, residents of Charleston can save money and contribute to a more sustainable future.