Overview
If you live in Laurel, Nebraska, installing solar panels on your home can save you money in the long run. By analyzing the weather data and electricity costs in your area, we can show you how a solar system can help you break even on your investment sooner than you might think. With the average amount of precipitation, UV rating, and percentage of cloud cover, you can harness the power of the sun to reduce your electricity bills and take advantage of renewable energy. Let’s explore the financial benefits of going solar in Laurel.
Laurel Nebraska Weather Trends
Laurel Precipitation
With Laurel Nebraska receiving 33.27 inches of precipitation in the last year, you may be surprised to learn that this puts Laurel in the 16th percentile in the nation and the 44th percentile in Nebraska. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Nebraska’s average of 36.89 inches, Laurel’s lower precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar energy generation.
Laurel’s UV Rating
Having an average UV rating of 4.14 in the last year, Laurel Nebraska ranks in the 51st percentile in the nation and the 26th percentile in Nebraska. While the national average stands at 4.29 and Nebraska’s at 4.35, Laurel’s UV rating indicates a favorable environment for solar panel performance, maximizing energy production throughout the year.
Laurel’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average of 40% cloud cover, which places Laurel in the 27th percentile in the nation and the 78th percentile in Nebraska, the distribution of cloud cover days in Laurel is conducive to solar panel efficiency. With 142 days of low cloud cover, 95 days of moderate cloud cover, 77 days of heavy cloud cover, and 50 clear days, residents can rely on consistent sunlight for their solar systems.
Laurel Nebraska Electricity Costs
Paying only about $0.09/kw for electricity, Laurel Nebraska stands in the 3rd percentile nationwide and the 8th percentile within the state. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, and Nebraska’s average is $0.1/kw. By taking advantage of lower electricity costs, installing solar panels in Laurel can lead to significant long-term savings on utility bills while utilizing renewable energy sources.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Laurel Nebraska?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Laurel 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:
- Laurel Nebraska receives less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Laurel Nebraska are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- The cloud cover in Laurel Nebraska is lower than the national average, with varying percentages throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Laurel Nebraska pay 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:
- By generating electricity from the sun, homeowners can reduce their reliance on the grid, resulting in lower electricity bills.
- With Laurel Nebraska’s lower electricity rates, the savings may be slightly less compared to areas with higher rates.
After analyzing the data, it is estimated that it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Laurel Nebraska. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will exceed the initial investment. With solar panels lasting up to 30 years, homeowners can enjoy significant savings over the long term, making it an economically and environmentally sound investment.
Investing in solar power in Laurel Nebraska
Installing solar panels in Laurel, Nebraska can be a wise financial decision for homeowners looking to save money in the long run. By taking advantage of the favorable weather conditions and lower electricity costs in the area, residents can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels in approximately 6-7 years. This means that after this period, the savings from reduced electricity bills will outweigh the initial cost of the solar system. With solar panels lasting up to 30 years, homeowners in Laurel can benefit from significant savings and contribute to a more sustainable future. Going solar in Laurel is not only a smart financial choice but also an environmentally friendly one.