Overview
Are you a Plains Texas resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be a cost-effective solution! In this article, we will examine the financial benefits of going solar in Plains Texas, using weather data and electricity costs to estimate how long it will take for you to break even on your investment. With, on average, over 230 sunny days a year, Plains Texas is the perfect location for harnessing the power of the sun to save on your energy costs.
Plains Texas Weather Trends
Plains Precipitation
With only 18.69 inches of precipitation in the last year, Plains Texas is in the 5th percentile nationwide and the 3rd percentile in Texas. This means that compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, and Texas’s average of 40.86 inches, Plains receives significantly less rainfall, ideal for maximizing solar panel efficiency.
Plains’s UV Rating
Plains Texas boasts an average UV rating of 5.46, ranking it in the 88th percentile in the nation and the 17th percentile in Texas. When compared to the national average of 4.29 and Texas’s average of 5.74, Plains receives ample sunlight throughout the year, providing ample opportunity to harness solar energy for your home.
Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 6.05, Plains is in the 78th percentile nationwide and the 37th percentile in Texas. This high UV rating further emphasizes the potential for solar energy production in Plains, outshining many other areas in the country and the state.
Plains’s Cloud Cover
Plains Texas experiences an average of 22% cloud cover, placing it in the 2nd percentile nationwide and the 3rd percentile in Texas. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and Texas’s average of 35.45%, Plains enjoys clearer skies, allowing for more sunlight to reach your solar panels and generate electricity for your home.
Moreover, with 242 days of clear skies with between 0% and 25% cloud cover, Plains residents benefit from extended periods of optimal sunlight for solar panel usage. With only 12 days of heavy cloud cover, the majority of the year offers ample sunshine for efficient solar energy production.
Plains Texas Electricity Costs
Plains Texas residents pay approximately $0.09/kw for electricity, positioning Plains in the 4th percentile nationally and the 5th percentile in Texas. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while Texas’s average stands at $0.11/kw. By installing solar panels, Plains residents can offset their electricity costs significantly, taking advantage of the sunny climate to generate their power sustainably and cost-effectively.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Plains Texas?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Plains, Texas, 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:
- Plains, Texas receives less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar power generation.
- The UV ratings in Plains, Texas are higher than the national average, making it an excellent location for solar panels.
- Cloud cover in Plains, Texas is lower than the national average, with many sunny days throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Plains, Texas pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which is beneficial for saving money with 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 saving money on electricity bills.
- With the lower electricity rates in Plains, Texas, the savings will accumulate over time.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 6 to 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 to 7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Considering the long lifespan of solar panels, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years ahead. Investing in solar energy is not just economically savvy, but also environmentally friendly in the long run!
Investing in solar power in Plains Texas
Overall, installing solar panels in Plains Texas can be a smart financial choice due to the region’s weather conditions and lower electricity costs. With less precipitation, ample sunlight, and clear skies, solar panels can generate significant savings on electricity bills. Based on our calculations, it would take around 6 to 7 years to break even on the initial investment, resulting in long-term cost savings and sustainable energy use. Investing in solar energy in Plains Texas is a practical and environmentally conscious decision for residents looking to reduce their electricity expenses.