Overview
In Lathrop, Missouri, installing solar panels on your home can significantly reduce your electricity costs, bringing about long-term savings. By analyzing local weather data and electricity rates, we will demonstrate the financial benefits of switching to solar energy. We will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how quickly you can recoup your investment, making a strong case for why going solar is a smart financial decision for Lathrop residents.
Lathrop Missouri Weather Trends
Lathrop Precipitation
With Lathrop Missouri receiving 44.21 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is important to note that this places Lathrop slightly below the national and Missouri averages. However, even with slightly less rainfall compared to other areas, solar panels can still effectively generate electricity, making them a viable option for residents.
Lathrop’s UV Rating
Having an average UV rating of 4.5 in the last year, Lathrop is in a favorable position compared to both the national and Missouri averages. With these higher UV ratings, solar panels in Lathrop have the potential to produce more electricity due to increased sun exposure. This means more savings on electricity bills for residents looking to make the switch to solar energy.
Lathrop’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average of 38% cloud cover, which is slightly lower compared to national and state averages, Lathrop Missouri still receives a significant amount of sunlight for solar panels to harness. With a range of days with varying cloud cover, residents can still benefit from solar energy generation, leading to long-term savings and a reduced environmental impact.
Lathrop Missouri Electricity Costs
At just $0.11/kw for electricity, Lathrop residents have favorable rates compared to the national average of $0.13/kw. This means that by installing solar panels, residents can further reduce their electricity costs and potentially even generate excess energy to sell back to the grid. Making the switch to solar energy in Lathrop can lead to substantial financial benefits and a more sustainable future.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Lathrop Missouri?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Lathrop 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:
- Lathrop Missouri receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Lathrop Missouri are above the national average, indicating good conditions for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Lathrop Missouri is lower than the national average, with variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Lathrop Missouri pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which can impact the savings from 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 amount needed from the grid and resulting in savings on electricity bills.
After analyzing the data, it is estimated that it would take around 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for 25 to 30 years, the savings will continue for many years after the initial payback period. Investing in solar panels is a smart way to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Investing in solar power in Lathrop Missouri
In conclusion, installing solar panels in Lathrop, Missouri can lead to significant long-term savings by reducing electricity costs. Analyzing local weather data and electricity rates shows that residents in Lathrop have favorable conditions for solar energy generation. With a potential payback period of around 5-6 years for a standard 10kW solar system, making the switch to solar power is not only a wise financial decision but also a step towards a more sustainable future. Residents in Lathrop can benefit from reduced electricity bills and contribute to a cleaner environment by harnessing the power of the sun.