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Solar and Electricity Data for Opelousas, LA: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Opelousas, LA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.6/10 7.2/10 5.6/10 9.3/10 1.1/10
Not Bad 40% daily 4 inches monthly 5.8 on average 0.1/kw

Overview

In Opelousas, Louisiana, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings over time. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, we can show you how a solar system can help you reduce your monthly utility bill and eventually break even on your investment. With the sunny weather and high UV rating in Opelousas, your solar panels will efficiently generate electricity, making it a smart choice for homeowners looking to save money in the long run.

Opelousas Louisiana Weather Trends

Opelousas Precipitation

With Opelousas receiving 47.78 inches of precipitation in the last year, which is in the 44th percentile nationally and the 21st percentile in Louisiana, you can count on consistent sunlight for your solar panels. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Louisiana’s average of 52.6 inches, Opelousas offers a great environment for harnessing solar energy.

Opelousas’s UV Rating

Opelousas boasts an average UV rating of 5.78 in the last year, placing it in the 93rd percentile nationwide and the 52nd percentile within Louisiana. With a national average of 4.29 and Louisiana’s average of 5.69, it’s evident that Opelousas enjoys plenty of sunshine. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 6.12, Opelousas offers optimal conditions for solar panel efficiency.

Opelousas’s Cloud Cover

Opelousas experienced an average of 40% cloud cover over the past year, ranking in the 28th percentile nationally and the 55th percentile within Louisiana. With lower cloud cover compared to the national average of 44.46% and Louisiana’s average of 40.63%, Opelousas provides clear skies for solar panels to capture sunlight. In total, there were 126 days with minimal cloud cover, ensuring ample sunlight for solar energy production.

Opelousas Louisiana Electricity Costs

Residents in Opelousas pay around $0.1/kw for electricity, placing the city in the 11th percentile nationally and the 67th percentile within Louisiana. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw and Louisiana’s average of $0.1/kw, Opelousas offers competitive electricity rates, making it even more cost-effective to install solar panels and save on your monthly utility bills.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Opelousas Louisiana?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Opelousas, Louisiana, 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:

  • Opelousas gets slightly less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar energy generation.
  • The UV ratings in Opelousas are higher than the national average, making it a great location for solar panels.
  • Cloud cover in Opelousas is slightly lower than the national average, with a good number of sunny days throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Opelousas residents pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which means savings on electricity bills will be slightly lower.

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 need to purchase electricity from the grid.
  • Opelousas’ lower electricity rates mean the savings may not be as substantial compared to other locations.

After analyzing the data, it seems like it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Opelousas. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will begin to surpass the initial investment. Additionally, considering the longevity of solar panels, you will continue to enjoy these savings for many years to come. Investing in solar energy not only saves money but also contributes to environmental sustainability.

Investing in solar power in Opelousas Louisiana

Installing solar panels in Opelousas, Louisiana is a wise choice for homeowners looking to save money in the long run. With the sunny weather and high UV rating, solar panels can efficiently generate electricity, reducing your monthly utility bill over time. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, it is clear that investing in solar energy in Opelousas can lead to significant financial benefits. Not only will you break even on your investment within 7-8 years, but you will also contribute to environmental sustainability while enjoying long-term savings on electricity bills.