Overview
This article will show how installing solar panels on your home in Plainview, Arkansas can save you money in the long run. By analyzing the weather data and electricity costs in the area, we will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even. With the potential financial benefits of harnessing the sun’s energy, you can make an informed decision about investing in solar power for your home.
Plainview Arkansas Weather Trends
Plainview Precipitation
In the last year, Plainview Arkansas received 57.83 inches of precipitation, placing it in the 66th percentile in the nation and the 67th percentile in Arkansas. While the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, Arkansas’s average is 54.5 inches. Harnessing solar power in a place like Plainview with above-average precipitation can help maximize energy production throughout the year.
Plainview’s UV Rating
In the last year, Plainview Arkansas had an average UV rating of 5.14, ranking it in the 82nd percentile in the nation and the 63rd percentile in Arkansas. With a national average of 4.29 and an Arkansas average of 5.13 for average UV rating, Plainview’s solar potential is significantly higher. The average max UV rating of 5.66 underscores the sun’s strong presence in Plainview, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
Plainview’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 38% cloud cover in the last year, Plainview Arkansas is in the 21st percentile in the nation and the 51st percentile in Arkansas. Comparatively, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while Arkansas’s average is 38.77%. The lower cloud cover in Plainview means more sunlight is available for solar panels to convert into energy, increasing the efficiency of a residential solar system.
Plainview Arkansas Electricity Costs
Plainview Arkansas residents pay about $0.11/kw for electricity, positioning the town in the 19th percentile in the nation and the 44th percentile in Arkansas. This is lower than the national average of $0.13/kw, matching Arkansas’s average of $0.11/kw. By investing in solar panels, homeowners in Plainview can take advantage of the lower electricity costs to save money on their energy bills in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Plainview Arkansas?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Plainview 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:
- Plainview Arkansas receives more precipitation than the national average, which can affect sunlight exposure for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Plainview Arkansas are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Plainview Arkansas is lower than the national average, providing good sunlight exposure for solar panels.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Plainview Arkansas pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average.
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, which means we don’t need to buy as much from the grid.
- With lower electricity rates in Plainview Arkansas, the savings are slightly lower compared to the national average.
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 remember, solar panels last for a long time, so after that initial period, you’ll be enjoying those savings for many years to come. It’s a smart way to save money and help the environment at the same time!
Investing in solar power in Plainview Arkansas
Installing solar panels in Plainview, Arkansas can be a smart financial decision in the long run. By taking advantage of the above-average sunlight exposure and slightly lower electricity costs in the area, homeowners can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels in about 6-7 years. From that point on, the savings on electricity bills will continue to accumulate, making solar power a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice for residents of Plainview.