Overview
If you live in Mahaska Kansas, installing solar panels on your home could help you save money on electricity bills in the long run. By considering the weather data for the area, such as inches of precipitation, average max UV rating, average UV rating, and average percentage cloud cover, along with the basic electricity costs, we can estimate the cost of a solar system and how long it will take to break even. This article will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether solar panels are a worthwhile investment for your home in Mahaska Kansas.
Mahaska Kansas Weather Trends
Mahaska Precipitation
With Mahaska Kansas receiving 28.26 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is in the 10th percentile in the nation and the 1st percentile in Kansas. In comparison, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, and Kansas’s average is 38.26 inches. Despite lower levels of precipitation, Mahaska’s solar potential remains strong.
Mahaska’s UV Rating
In the last year, Mahaska Kansas had an average UV rating of 4.6, placing it in the 67th percentile in the nation and the 20th percentile in Kansas. The national average for average UV rating is 4.29, and Kansas’s average is 4.72. Additionally, Mahaska had an average max UV rating of 5.04, positioning it favorably at the 57th percentile nationally. With higher UV ratings, solar panels in Mahaska have great potential to generate energy efficiently.
Mahaska’s Cloud Cover
Despite the 35% average cloud cover in Mahaska Kansas, which is in the 14th percentile nationally and the 71st percentile in Kansas, solar panels can still be a viable option due to the number of clear days. With 156 days having between 0% and 25% cloud cover, residents can still benefit from harnessing solar energy for a significant portion of the year.
Mahaska Kansas Electricity Costs
Mahaska residents pay $0.13/kw for electricity, placing them in the 64th percentile in the nation and the 51st percentile in Kansas. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw, Mahaska’s electricity costs are on par. By installing solar panels, residents can take control of their energy consumption and reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources, leading to long-term savings and environmental benefits.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Mahaska Kansas?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Mahaska 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:
- Mahaska Kansas receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a good place for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Mahaska Kansas are higher than the national average, indicating good conditions for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Mahaska Kansas is lower than the national average, with a good amount of sunny days throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Mahaska Kansas pay the national average price for electricity, which is $0.13/kw.
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.
- With electricity costs at $0.13/kw, the savings from using solar power can add up over time.
After crunching the numbers, it appears that it would take around 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Mahaska Kansas. This means that after 8-10 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for a long time, you will continue to enjoy savings for many years after that initial payback period. It’s a wise investment for saving money and contributing to a cleaner environment!
Investing in solar power in Mahaska Kansas
Based on the weather data and electricity costs in Mahaska Kansas, installing solar panels on your home can be a worthwhile investment. With lower precipitation levels, higher UV ratings, and fewer cloudy days, solar panels in Mahaska have great potential to generate energy efficiently. Residents paying $0.13/kw for electricity can expect to break even on a solar system in about 8-10 years, and continue to enjoy long-term savings. By harnessing solar power, not only can you save money on electricity bills, but also contribute to a cleaner environment. Consider all the information provided in this article to make an informed decision about installing solar panels in Mahaska Kansas.