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

Grinnell, KS at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
6.1/10 9.2/10 8.4/10 6.5/10 6.2/10
Pretty Good 31% daily 3 inches monthly 4.5 on average 0.12/kw

Overview

Are you a resident of Grinnell, Kansas looking to save money on your electricity bills while also being environmentally conscious? Installing solar panels on your home could be a great investment for you. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Grinnell, we have determined that a solar system could help you break even in a reasonable amount of time. Let us break down the costs and benefits for you, so you can make an informed decision about whether solar panels are right for you.

Grinnell Kansas Weather Trends

Grinnell Precipitation

If you’re concerned about how much sunlight your solar panels will receive due to precipitation, rest assured that Grinnell, Kansas is in a prime location for solar energy generation. With 33.81 inches of precipitation in the last year, Grinnell falls below both the national and state averages. This means that you can expect more sunny days, allowing your solar panels to absorb as much sunlight as possible.

Grinnell’s UV Rating

When it comes to UV ratings, Grinnell, Kansas offers ample sunshine for your potential solar panel investment. With an average UV rating of 4.53, Grinnell ranks higher in UV exposure compared to both the nation and the state. This high UV rating translates to more energy production from your solar panels, ultimately leading to greater cost savings and environmental benefits for you.

Grinnell’s Cloud Cover

With an average cloud cover of 31% in the last year, Grinnell, Kansas experiences fewer cloudy days than the national and state averages. In fact, Grinnell had 190 days with minimal cloud cover and only 38 days with heavy cloud cover. This means that your solar panels will have more access to direct sunlight, increasing their efficiency and overall energy production.

Grinnell Kansas Electricity Costs

At $0.12 per kilowatt-hour, Grinnell residents enjoy electricity costs lower than both the national and state averages. By harnessing solar energy, you can further reduce your electricity expenses and potentially even generate excess power to sell back to the grid. With the favorable combination of low electricity costs and optimal weather conditions, installing solar panels in Grinnell, Kansas is a smart financial and environmental choice.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Grinnell 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:

  • Grinnell Kansas receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar panel installation.
  • The UV ratings in Grinnell Kansas are higher than the national average, which is great for generating solar power efficiently.
  • The cloud cover in Grinnell Kansas is lower than the national average, with a good number of clear days that are optimal for solar energy production.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Grinnell Kansas pay slightly 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 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, resulting in savings over time.
  • With the relatively lower electricity costs in Grinnell Kansas, the savings might not be as high as in other locations, but they will still accumulate over the years.

After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Grinnell Kansas. After this period, the savings on electricity bills will begin to exceed the initial investment. Considering the long lifespan of solar panels, these savings will continue for many years to come, making it a wise investment both financially and environmentally.

Investing in solar power in Grinnell Kansas

Installing solar panels in Grinnell, Kansas can be a beneficial decision for residents looking to save money on electricity bills and contribute to a greener environment. With favorable weather conditions, including low precipitation, high UV ratings, and minimal cloud cover, solar panels in Grinnell can efficiently generate energy. Additionally, with electricity costs lower than national averages, residents can expect significant savings over the years. By analyzing the data, it is estimated that it would take approximately 8-10 years to break even on the initial investment of solar panels, after which the savings on electricity bills will continue for many more years. Ultimately, installing solar panels in Grinnell, Kansas is a smart financial and eco-friendly choice for residents.