Overview
In Preston, Missouri, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we can calculate the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take to break even. Over the course of a year, the amount of sunlight and low percentage of cloud cover make Preston an ideal location for solar energy production, allowing residents to generate their own electricity and reduce their monthly utility bills.
Preston Missouri Weather Trends
Preston Precipitation
With only 42.55 inches of precipitation in the last year, Preston Missouri is drier compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and the Missouri average of 47.04 inches. This lower level of precipitation means less chance of weather-related damage to solar panels, making them a more reliable investment in the long run.
Preston’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 4.72, Preston Missouri enjoys more sunlight compared to the national average of 4.29 and the Missouri average of 4.59. This high UV rating means residents can benefit from increased energy production from solar panels, ultimately leading to higher savings on electricity bills.
Preston’s Cloud Cover
At an average of 37% cloud cover in the last year, Preston Missouri experiences less obstructed sunlight compared to the national average of 44.46% and the Missouri average of 39.07%. This lower cloud cover allows for more consistent solar energy production, maximizing the financial benefits of installing solar panels.
Preston Missouri Electricity Costs
With a rate of $0.12/kw for electricity, Preston Missouri residents pay less than the national average of $0.13/kw but slightly more than the Missouri average of $0.11/kw. By generating their own electricity through solar panels, residents can reduce dependence on the grid and save even more on monthly utility bills in the long term.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Preston Missouri?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Preston, Missouri, 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:
- Preston, Missouri receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panel installation.
- The UV ratings in Preston, Missouri are higher than the national average, indicating good sunlight for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Preston, Missouri is lower than the national average, with variations throughout the year which may affect solar panel efficiency.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Preston, Missouri pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, making solar power savings 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 amount needed to be purchased from the grid.
- Due to Preston, Missouri’s lower electricity rates, the savings may take longer to cover the initial cost compared to areas with higher rates.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it may take around 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Preston, Missouri. This means that after this period, the savings accumulated on electricity bills will start to offset the investment costs. Remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so once the initial cost is covered, you can continue to benefit from the savings for many more years to come. It’s a wise investment choice that not only saves money but also contributes to a sustainable future.
Investing in solar power in Preston Missouri
Installing solar panels in Preston, Missouri can be a smart investment for homeowners looking to save money in the long term. With the favorable weather conditions, including ample sunlight and low cloud cover, residents can generate their own electricity and reduce monthly utility bills. By analyzing the specific weather trends and electricity costs in Preston, we can estimate that it may take around 8-10 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar system. After this period, the savings on electricity bills will continue to accumulate, making solar panels a worthwhile and sustainable investment for the future.