Overview
In Mount Vernon, Arkansas, installing solar panels on your home can save you money in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, we have determined that a solar system can help you break even within a reasonable timeframe. With the average amount of sunlight throughout the year and the cost of traditional electricity, investing in solar power is a smart financial decision for residents of Mount Vernon.
Mount Vernon Arkansas Weather Trends
Mount Vernon Precipitation
With Mount Vernon, Arkansas receiving 114.71 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the city experiences higher than average rainfall. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Arkansas’s average of 54.5 inches, Mount Vernon ranks in the 99th percentile both nationally and within the state. This abundance of rainfall creates an ideal environment for harnessing solar energy on a consistent basis.
Mount Vernon’s UV Rating
Boasting an average UV rating of 6.4 in the last year, Mount Vernon, Arkansas stands in the 98th percentile nationwide and the 96th percentile within Arkansas. With a higher UV rating than both the national average of 4.29 and Arkansas’s average of 5.13, residents of Mount Vernon have ample sunlight to power their solar panels efficiently. Additionally, the average max UV rating of 6.57 further solidifies the city’s solar energy potential.
Mount Vernon’s Cloud Cover
Over the course of the last year, Mount Vernon, Arkansas experienced an average cloud cover of 59%, placing the city in the 95th percentile across the country and the 98th percentile in Arkansas. Comparatively, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46% while Arkansas’s average is 38.77%. With a high number of days having between 0% and 25% cloud cover, Mount Vernon provides consistent opportunities for solar energy production.
Mount Vernon Arkansas Electricity Costs
Residents of Mount Vernon, Arkansas benefit from relatively low electricity costs, paying around $0.11/kw. This places Mount Vernon in the 25th percentile nationwide and the 67th percentile within Arkansas. With the national average for residential electricity at $0.13/kw, and Arkansas’s average at $0.11/kw, investing in solar panels offers the potential for significant long-term savings on energy bills.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Mount Vernon Arkansas?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Mount Vernon, Arkansas, 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:
- Mount Vernon receives significantly more precipitation than the national average, which could affect solar panel efficiency, but it still gets enough sunlight for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Mount Vernon are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- The cloud cover in Mount Vernon is higher than the national average, which may impact solar panel performance. With 236 days having between 50% and 75% cloud cover, there are a significant number of days with less sunlight available for solar power generation.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Mount Vernon pay a slightly lower rate for electricity compared to the national average, at $0.11/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:
- Despite the higher cloud cover and precipitation, the system will still generate electricity, reducing the need to purchase electricity from the grid.
- With Mount Vernon’s lower electricity rates, the savings may be slightly lower compared to locations with higher rates.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. That means, after 6-7 years, the money you save on electricity bills will start to add up and pay off the investment. And with solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, you’ll be enjoying those savings for many years to come. It’s a smart investment that not only saves you money but also benefits the environment!
Investing in solar power in Mount Vernon Arkansas
Installing solar panels in Mount Vernon, Arkansas is a wise financial decision for residents due to the city’s abundance of sunlight and relatively low electricity costs. By analyzing weather data and electricity prices, it is clear that investing in solar power can lead to significant long-term savings on energy bills. With the potential to break even within 6-7 years and solar panels lasting up to 25-30 years, residents can enjoy both financial benefits and environmental advantages from choosing solar energy.