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Solar and Electricity Data for Saint Louis, MO: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Saint Louis, MO at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.3/10 7.7/10 5.3/10 6.8/10 1.5/10
Not Bad 39% daily 4 inches monthly 4.6 on average 0.1/kw

Overview

In Saint Louis Missouri, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant savings on your electricity bills. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, we will show you how a solar system can pay for itself over time. With the average amount of precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover in Saint Louis, harnessing solar power is a smart choice for long-term financial benefit.

Saint Louis Missouri Weather Trends

Saint Louis Precipitation

With Saint Louis Missouri receiving 49.61 inches of precipitation last year, it falls slightly below the national average but is higher than the state average. Looking at the data, it’s clear that Saint Louis experiences a moderate amount of rainfall, making it a suitable location for harnessing solar power for your home. By taking advantage of this natural resource, you can reduce your need for traditional electricity and ultimately save money in the long run.

Saint Louis’s UV Rating

When considering the UV rating in Saint Louis Missouri, with an average of 4.61, it ranks higher than both the national and state averages. This indicates that there is plenty of sunlight for solar panels to generate electricity efficiently. With a higher UV rating, your solar panels can produce more energy, leading to greater savings on your electricity bills. By taking advantage of the abundant sunlight in Saint Louis, you can significantly reduce your reliance on the grid and lower your carbon footprint.

Saint Louis’s Cloud Cover

Despite Saint Louis Missouri having an average cloud cover of 39%, which is lower than the national average, the city still experiences a fair amount of cloudy days. However, this should not deter you from installing solar panels on your home. Even on cloudy days, solar panels can still generate electricity, albeit at a slightly lower rate. With the right system in place, you can continue to benefit from solar power and see a reduction in your electricity costs year-round.

Saint Louis Missouri Electricity Costs

At a rate of $0.1/kw for electricity, Saint Louis Missouri residents pay less than both the national and state averages. This means that by investing in solar panels for your home, you can further decrease your energy expenses and potentially even generate surplus energy to sell back to the grid. With the low cost of electricity in Saint Louis, installing solar panels is a smart financial decision that can lead to significant savings over time.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Saint Louis Missouri?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Saint Louis, 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:

  • Saint Louis gets slightly less rain than the national average, making it a good area for solar panels to work effectively.
  • The UV ratings in Saint Louis are above the national average, which is great for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Saint Louis is slightly lower than the national average, with different levels throughout the year.

Next, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Saint Louis pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, making solar energy a cost-effective option.

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 amount needed from the grid.
  • Given Saint Louis’s electricity rates, the savings from using solar power will be significant.

After crunching the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 4-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this initial period, the savings on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and eventually pay off the investment. Since solar panels last for many years beyond this payback period, you’ll continue enjoying these savings for a long time. Investing in solar energy is a smart financial decision that also contributes to a cleaner environment.

Investing in solar power in Saint Louis Missouri

Installing solar panels on your home in Saint Louis Missouri is a wise financial decision that can lead to significant savings on your electricity bills over time. With the city’s moderate precipitation, high UV ratings, and lower cloud cover, harnessing solar power for your home is a viable option. Coupled with the lower than average electricity costs in the area, investing in solar panels can help you break even on your initial investment within 4-7 years. The long-term financial benefits of solar energy in Saint Louis make it a smart choice for both your wallet and the environment.