Overview
In Fort Smith, Arkansas, investing in solar panels for your home can lead to substantial savings on electricity costs. By analyzing weather data and electricity prices specific to the area, we can estimate how long it will take for your solar system to pay for itself, ultimately putting money back in your pocket. With ample sunshine year-round and rising electricity rates, now is the perfect time to consider making the switch to solar energy.
Fort Smith Arkansas Weather Trends
Fort Smith Precipitation
With Fort Smith, Arkansas receiving 54.7 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the city experiences a moderate amount of rainfall. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Fort Smith is slightly above average. Looking at Arkansas specifically, Fort Smith falls just above the state’s average of 54.5 inches. This means that Fort Smith residents can benefit from utilizing solar panels despite the occasional rainy days.
Fort Smith’s UV Rating
Fort Smith, Arkansas had an average UV rating of 5.11 in the last year, showcasing the city’s moderate exposure to sunlight. This puts Fort Smith in the 80th percentile nationally and the 57th percentile within Arkansas. Compared to the national average of 4.29, Fort Smith enjoys more sunlight. While the state average is slightly higher at 5.13, Fort Smith still offers ample sunlight for solar energy production. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 5.63, Fort Smith has even more potential for solar energy generation.
Fort Smith’s Cloud Cover
Fort Smith, Arkansas had an average cloud cover of 37% in the last year, indicating a good amount of sunny days suitable for solar energy production. Comparing this to the national average of 44.46%, Fort Smith enjoys clearer skies. In Arkansas, Fort Smith falls slightly below the state average of 38.77% cloud cover. With a significant number of days with minimal cloud cover, Fort Smith residents can take advantage of the sunny days to maximize their solar energy output.
Fort Smith Arkansas Electricity Costs
Residents of Fort Smith, Arkansas pay approximately $0.08 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, making it one of the most cost-effective options in the country. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw, Fort Smith offers lower electricity costs. In Arkansas, the state average is slightly higher at $0.11/kw. By investing in solar panels, Fort Smith residents can not only lower their electricity bills but also take advantage of the city’s favorable electricity rates to achieve substantial savings in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Fort Smith Arkansas?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Fort Smith, Arkansas, 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:
- Fort Smith gets slightly more rain than the national average, but it still has enough sunshine for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Fort Smith are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith pay less for electricity compared to the national average, at $0.08/kw.
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 Fort Smith’s lower electricity rates, the savings may not be as significant as in other locations with higher rates.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Fort Smith, Arkansas. This means that after 8-10 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to exceed the initial investment. And since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years after that initial payback period. Investing in solar power is a smart way to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment!
Investing in solar power in Fort Smith Arkansas
In Fort Smith, Arkansas, investing in solar panels is a smart decision that can lead to significant savings on electricity costs. With ample sunshine year-round, favorable weather conditions, and lower electricity rates compared to national averages, residents can expect to break even on their solar investment in approximately 8-10 years. This means that the money saved on electricity bills will eventually exceed the initial cost of the solar panels, providing long-term savings and environmental benefits. Now is the ideal time for Fort Smith residents to consider making the switch to solar energy.