Overview
In Lewis, Kansas, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits over time. By looking at a year’s worth of weather data and electricity costs, we can estimate how much money you could save by switching to solar power. With a breakdown of the costs and a calculation of the payback period, this article will show you why investing in solar energy is a smart choice for your wallet in Lewis, Kansas.
Lewis Kansas Weather Trends
Lewis Precipitation
With Lewis, Kansas receiving 41.71 inches of precipitation in the last year, you are below both the national average of 50.61 inches and the Kansas average of 38.26 inches. Considering that you are in the 31st percentile in the nation and the 79th percentile in Kansas for precipitation, you have a drier climate compared to other areas. This means less wear and tear on your solar panels, maximizing their longevity.
Lewis’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 4.81 in the last year, Lewis, Kansas ranks in the 73rd percentile in the nation and the 66th percentile in Kansas. This means you receive a decent amount of sunlight throughout the year, which is essential for efficient solar panel energy production. Compared to the national average of 4.29, your UV rating is higher, indicating better solar energy potential.
Lewis’s Cloud Cover
Having an average of 32% cloud cover in the last year places Lewis in the 9th percentile in the nation and the 13th percentile in Kansas. With fewer cloudy days compared to the national average of 44.46% and the Kansas average of 34.62%, you can expect more consistent solar energy generation. The abundance of clear days in Lewis is ideal for maximizing the benefits of solar panels.
Lewis Kansas Electricity Costs
With Lewis residents paying about $0.12/kw for electricity, you are below the national average of $0.13/kw and on par with the Kansas average. Being in the 56th percentile in the nation and the 30th percentile in Kansas for electricity costs, transitioning to solar power can help you save even more money in the long run. Investing in solar panels can significantly decrease your monthly electricity bills and protect you from future rate hikes.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Lewis Kansas?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Lewis 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:
- Lewis Kansas receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Lewis Kansas are higher than the national average, making it an ideal location for solar power generation.
- Cloud cover in Lewis Kansas is lower than the national average, with a good number of clear days throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Lewis Kansas pay a bit less for electricity compared to the national average, which is beneficial for the return on investment 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 amount purchased from the grid and therefore decreasing electricity costs.
- Since Lewis Kansas has lower electricity rates, the savings from solar power usage would not be as substantial as in areas with higher rates.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Lewis Kansas. This means that after 10 years, the savings on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, there will be many more years of cost savings beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar power is a wise choice for long-term financial benefits and environmental conservation.
Investing in solar power in Lewis Kansas
Installing solar panels in Lewis, Kansas is a financially sound decision for residents. The region’s lower precipitation, higher UV ratings, and reduced cloud cover make it an ideal environment for efficient solar energy production. With electricity costs slightly below the national average, transitioning to solar power can lead to considerable savings over time. By investing in a solar system, residents can expect to break even on their initial investment in approximately 10 years, with many more years of cost savings and environmental benefits to follow. Choosing solar power in Lewis, Kansas is not only a smart choice for your wallet but also for sustainable living.