Overview
In Wichita Kansas, 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 estimate how much you can save on your energy bills each year. With a breakdown of the cost of a solar system and an estimate of the payback period, you can see why going solar is a smart investment for residents in Wichita.
Wichita Kansas Weather Trends
Wichita Precipitation
In the last year Wichita Kansas received 34.51 inches of precipitation, ranking it in the 17th percentile nationally and the 34th percentile in Kansas. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Kansas’s average of 38.26 inches, Wichita experiences a moderate amount of rainfall.
Wichita’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 4.95, Wichita Kansas ranks in the 77th percentile nationally and the 96th percentile in Kansas. This higher UV rating compared to the national average of 4.29 and Kansas’s average of 4.72 means that Wichita receives a significant amount of sunlight, making it a prime location for solar energy production.
Wichita’s Cloud Cover
Recording an average of 33% cloud cover in the last year, Wichita Kansas ranks in the 10th percentile nationally and the 21st percentile in Kansas. With significantly less cloud cover compared to the national average of 44.46% and Kansas’s average of 34.62%, Wichita enjoys more clear skies, providing ample sunlight for solar panels to generate electricity efficiently.
Wichita Kansas Electricity Costs
Wichita Kansas residents pay around $0.13/kw for electricity, placing Wichita in the 64th percentile nationally and the 53rd percentile in Kansas. With electricity costs in line with the national average and Kansas’s average, installing solar panels can help residents save money in the long run as solar energy becomes a more cost-effective alternative.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Wichita Kansas?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Wichita 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:
- Wichita Kansas receives less precipitation than the national average, and has good sunlight for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Wichita Kansas are higher than the national average, which is great for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Wichita Kansas is lower than the national average, providing more sunlight for solar panels to work effectively.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Wichita Kansas pay about the same 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, reducing the amount needed from the grid.
- With Wichita Kansas’ electricity rates, the savings are significant.
After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this time, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for a long time, you can enjoy these savings for many years after. Investing in solar power is a smart financial decision that also benefits the environment!
Investing in solar power in Wichita Kansas
In conclusion, residents of Wichita, Kansas can benefit from installing solar panels on their homes to save money in the long run. With favorable weather conditions, including moderate precipitation, high UV ratings, and low cloud cover, Wichita is an ideal location for solar energy production. Considering the average electricity costs in the area and the potential savings generated by a solar system, the payback period for the initial investment is estimated to be around 6-7 years. Investing in solar power not only provides financial benefits but also contributes to a more sustainable future for the environment.