Overview
Are you a Columbia Missouri resident curious about the financial benefits of installing solar panels on your home? In this article, we will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Columbia, Missouri, we aim to show you how investing in solar panels can lead to substantial savings in the long run.
Columbia Missouri Weather Trends
Columbia Precipitation
With 41.3 inches of precipitation in the last year, Columbia, Missouri is in the 30th percentile in the nation and the 23rd percentile in Missouri. Comparatively, the national average is 50.61 inches, and Missouri’s average is 47.04 inches. Despite receiving less precipitation than average, Columbia’s climate is still conducive to solar panel installation.
Columbia’s UV Rating
Having an average UV rating of 4.48 places Columbia in the 64th percentile in the nation and the 29th percentile in Missouri. In comparison, the national average UV rating is 4.29, while Missouri’s average is 4.59. The higher than average UV rating in Columbia means that solar panels installed on your home would be exposed to a good amount of sunlight throughout the year.
Columbia’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 40% cloud cover, Columbia is in the 27th percentile in the nation and the 77th percentile in Missouri. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while Missouri’s average is 39.07%. Columbia had 153 days with minimal cloud cover, providing ample opportunity for solar panels to generate electricity efficiently.
Columbia Missouri Electricity Costs
Residents of Columbia pay about $0.12 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, placing them in the 54th percentile in the nation and the 80th percentile in Missouri. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while Missouri’s average is $0.11/kw. With electricity costs slightly lower than the national average, investing in solar panels can lead to even greater savings over time for Columbia residents.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Columbia Missouri?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Columbia, 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:
- Columbia gets slightly less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Columbia are higher than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar power generation.
- Cloud cover in Columbia is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Columbia pay a bit less for electricity compared to the national average, which can affect 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 with Columbia’s lower electricity rates.
After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take around 4-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. Investing in solar power is not only a financially wise decision but also an environmentally friendly one. It’s a win-win situation!
Investing in solar power in Columbia Missouri
Investing in solar panels in Columbia, Missouri can be a smart financial decision. After analyzing the weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, it is estimated that it would take around 4-6 years to break even on the initial cost of a standard solar system. With electricity costs slightly lower than the national average and ample sunlight exposure throughout the year, Columbia residents have the opportunity to make substantial savings in the long run. Not only does investing in solar power make financial sense, but it also benefits the environment. By going solar, you can enjoy both financial savings and a cleaner, more sustainable energy source for years to come.