Overview
In sunny Plaquemine, Louisiana, the financial benefits of installing solar panels on your home are clear. By using data on local weather patterns and electricity costs, we can show you how much you can save by making the switch to solar energy. With a breakdown of the costs and estimated time it takes to break even, this article will demonstrate why going solar is a smart investment for Plaquemine residents.
Plaquemine Louisiana Weather Trends
Plaquemine Precipitation
With Plaquemine receiving 53.19 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is evident that the area enjoys a good amount of rainfall, ranking in the 64th percentile in Louisiana and the 55th percentile nationwide. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, and Louisiana’s average of 52.6 inches, Plaquemine’s precipitation levels make it an excellent location for harnessing solar energy efficiently and effectively.
Plaquemine’s UV Rating
Plaquemine’s average UV rating of 5.84 in the last year places it in the 80th percentile in Louisiana and the impressive 94th percentile in the nation. With an average max UV rating of 6.21, Plaquemine is also in the 71st percentile in Louisiana and the 81st percentile in the country. These high UV ratings showcase the abundant sunshine in Plaquemine, making it an ideal place for solar panel installation.
Plaquemine’s Cloud Cover
Plaquemine experienced an average of 40% cloud cover in the last year, putting it in the 62nd percentile in Louisiana and the 30th percentile in the nation. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and Louisiana’s average of 40.63%, Plaquemine’s lower cloud cover days make it a prime location for solar panel efficiency. With a significant number of days with minimal cloud cover, Plaquemine residents can benefit greatly from solar energy production.
Plaquemine Louisiana Electricity Costs
Residents in Plaquemine pay approximately $0.1/kw for electricity, ranking the city in the 31st percentile in Louisiana and the 5th percentile nationwide. With the national average for residential electricity at $0.13/kw and Louisiana’s average at $0.1/kw, Plaquemine residents enjoy competitive electricity prices, further emphasizing the financial benefits of switching to solar energy.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Plaquemine Louisiana?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Plaquemine, 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:
- Plaquemine gets slightly more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunshine for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Plaquemine are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Plaquemine is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Plaquemine pay less for electricity compared to the national average, at $0.10/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 need to purchase as much from the grid.
- With Plaquemine’s lower electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are slightly less compared to areas with higher rates.
After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take around 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Plaquemine, Louisiana. This means that after 8-10 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar energy is not only a smart financial decision but also helps in reducing environmental impact.
Investing in solar power in Plaquemine Louisiana
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Plaquemine, Louisiana, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings for residents. With higher than average UV ratings, lower cloud cover days, and competitive electricity prices, Plaquemine is an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. Based on our calculations, residents can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels in just 8-10 years, after which they will continue to enjoy savings on their electricity bills for many years to come. Not only is switching to solar energy a wise financial choice, but it also contributes to a greener, more sustainable future.