Overview
In Harvard, Nebraska, installing solar panels on your home can be a wise financial decision. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over the course of a year, we can estimate how long it will take for you to break even on your investment in solar energy. With plenty of sunshine and low cloud cover, Harvard is an ideal location for harnessing the power of the sun to save on your electricity bills. Let’s explore the cost savings and benefits of making the switch to solar energy in Harvard.
Harvard Nebraska Weather Trends
Harvard Precipitation
In the last year, Harvard, Nebraska received 33.64 inches of precipitation, placing it in the 16th percentile nationwide and the 46th percentile within the state. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Nebraska’s average of 36.89 inches, Harvard experiences less rainfall, making it an ideal location for solar energy production.
Harvard’s UV Rating
Harvard, Nebraska had an average UV rating of 4.38 in the last year, positioning it in the 61st percentile nationwide and the 64th percentile in Nebraska. With an average max UV rating of 4.84, Harvard ranks in the 53rd percentile nationwide and the 70th percentile in Nebraska. These UV ratings indicate strong sunlight exposure, perfect for efficient solar panel performance.
Harvard’s Cloud Cover
At an average of 37% cloud cover in the last year, Harvard, Nebraska is in the 17th percentile nationwide and the 48th percentile in Nebraska. With a lower percentage of cloud cover compared to the national average of 44.46% and Nebraska’s average of 38.62%, Harvard enjoys more sunny days for optimal solar energy generation.
Harvard Nebraska Electricity Costs
Harvard residents pay about $0.09/kw for electricity, placing them in the 5th percentile nationwide and the 13th percentile within Nebraska. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity costs is $0.13/kw, while Nebraska’s average is $0.1/kw. With lower electricity rates, investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term cost savings for Harvard homeowners.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Harvard Nebraska?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Harvard, Nebraska, 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:
- Harvard receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Harvard are slightly above the national average, which is great for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Harvard is lower than the national average, with a good number of days having minimal cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Harvard pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which is beneficial for investing in solar panels.
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 as much from the grid.
- With Harvard’s lower electricity rates, the savings will accumulate over time.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar power is a wise financial decision that not only saves money but also contributes to a cleaner environment.
Investing in solar power in Harvard Nebraska
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Harvard, Nebraska, it is evident that investing in solar panels can be a financially wise decision for homeowners in this area. With ample sunshine, low cloud cover, and lower electricity rates, the break-even point for a solar panel installation is estimated to be around 6 years. Beyond that, homeowners can enjoy long-term cost savings and contribute to a cleaner environment by harnessing solar energy. Making the switch to solar power in Harvard is not just beneficial for your wallet, but also for the planet.