Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Reading, KS: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Reading, KS at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
6.5/10 8.8/10 8.4/10 7.1/10 8.2/10
Pretty Good 34% daily 3 inches monthly 4.7 on average 0.14/kw

Overview

If you are a Reading Kansas resident looking to save money on your electricity bills, installing solar panels on your home could be a smart financial move. By analyzing weather data specific to your area, we can show you how much sunlight your home receives throughout the year and how this translates to potential energy savings. Additionally, we will break down the costs associated with installing a solar system and estimate how long it will take to break even on your investment. With the average cost of electricity in mind, you’ll see just how much you could save by making the switch to solar power.

Reading Kansas Weather Trends

Reading Precipitation

With Reading Kansas receiving 33.32 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is evident that the area experiences less rainfall compared to the national average of 50.61 inches. When looking at Kansas’s average of 38.26 inches, Reading falls below the state average as well. This lower precipitation rate means more sunny days, providing ample opportunity for solar panels to take advantage of the sunlight.

Reading’s UV Rating

Reading boasts an average UV rating of 4.75, placing it higher than both the national average of 4.29 and Kansas’s average of 4.72. Moreover, with an average max UV rating of 5.16, Reading surpasses the national average of 4.61. These high UV ratings indicate that solar panels in Reading can generate significant amounts of energy throughout the year.

Reading’s Cloud Cover

On average, Reading Kansas experiences 34% cloud cover, lower than the national average of 44.46% and Kansas’s average of 34.62%. With more clear days than many other areas, Reading offers ideal conditions for solar panel efficiency. The 173 days with minimal cloud cover further illustrate the solar potential in this area.

Reading Kansas Electricity Costs

Residents in Reading pay about $0.14/kw for electricity, which is higher than the national average of $0.13/kw. When compared to the state average of $0.13/kw, Reading’s electricity costs are also above average. By installing solar panels, Reading residents can reduce their reliance on the grid, ultimately lowering their electricity bills and saving money in the long run.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Reading Kansas?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Reading, Kansas, 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:

  • Reading, Kansas receives less precipitation compared to the national average, which is suitable for solar panel efficiency.
  • The UV ratings in Reading, Kansas are higher than the national average, making it an excellent location for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Reading, Kansas is lower than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Reading, Kansas pay slightly more 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 solar system generates electricity, reducing the need to purchase as much from the grid.
  • With Reading, Kansas’ electricity rates, the savings can be significant over time.

After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 5 to 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5 to 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and offset the investment. As solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar panels not only helps save money but also contributes to environmental conservation. It’s a wise long-term financial decision with lasting benefits.

Investing in solar power in Reading Kansas

After analyzing the data on weather patterns and electricity costs in Reading, Kansas, it is clear that installing solar panels can be a smart financial decision for residents. With ample sunlight, high UV ratings, and low cloud cover, solar panels in Reading have the potential to generate significant energy savings. By considering the higher-than-average electricity costs in the area, it is estimated that residents could break even on their solar panel investment within 5 to 6 years. This initial investment will continue to provide savings for many years to come, making the switch to solar power both a financially and environmentally beneficial choice for Reading, Kansas residents.