When calculating the cost of living in Kansas, one important aspect to consider is the average power bill. For many households, power bills may be a significant monthly burden. However, as solar energy becomes more popular, more people are looking at how adopting solar will affect their power prices. This blog will offer a complete review of what is the average electricity bill in Kansas, the possible savings from installing solar panels, and how to calculate these expenses efficiently.
What is the Average Electricity Bill in Kansas?
To understand the average energy bill in Kansas, consider both the rates paid and the normal use levels.
The average monthly home power cost in Kansas is around $122.06.
The average pricing for electricity in Kansas is around 13.68 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
- Average consumption: On average, Kansas people use around 894 kWh each month.
This implies that the estimate for an average power bill will look like this:
Monthly bill equals average consumption (kWh) multiplied by average rate (cents per kWh).
Monthly bill = average consumption kWh x average rate cents per kWh.
- Monthly bill =894 kWh x $0.1368 per kWh = ≈122.06
Understanding these data provides a foundation for assessing possible savings from converting to solar energy.
Factors Influencing Electricity Bills in Kansas
Aside from rates and use, a number of variables might affect your typical Kansas power bill:
1. Geographic location
Electricity tariffs vary substantially based on where you reside in the state. Urban places may have different rates than rural ones owing to variations in infrastructure and service availability.
2. Seasonal variations
Electricity usage generally varies with the seasons. Air conditioning consumption throughout the summer may dramatically increase expenditures, while winter heating demands may also contribute to increased prices. Understanding these seasonal variations might help people plan their expenses throughout the year.
3. Energy Efficiency Measurements
Households that adopt energy-efficient equipment and practices often have reduced power costs. Investing in ENERGY STAR-rated appliances or using smart home technologies may result in significant savings over time.
4. Time of Use Rates
Some utility providers provide time-of-use rates, which charge various amounts for power based on the time of day. Understanding these prices might help you move your energy use to off-peak hours when rates are cheaper.
Average Electricity Bills After Going Solar in Kansas
One of the major benefits of installing solar panels is the ability to lower or eliminate your monthly power cost. This is how it works.
1. Solar System Size
To balance the average power use in Kansas, homes generally need a solar panel installation of roughly 11.52 kW. This system is capable of generating enough electricity to meet the majority of your energy requirements.
2. Cost of Solar Installation
Before any incentives or tax credits are applied, the average upfront cost for a solar panel installation in Kansas is around $35,956. However, after applying the federal investment tax credit (ITC), which cuts expenditures by around 30%, the effective cost is roughly $25,169.
3. Monthly Savings Calculation
Once installed, homeowners may expect to save significantly on their monthly payments.
- If a household pays an average monthly cost of $122.06 before adopting solar, they might possibly save the full amount if their solar system offsets 100% of their consumption.
- Assuming an annual increase in utility costs (about 1.9%), these savings will become increasingly more significant as regular electric rates climb.
Example Calculation:
If you finance your solar system with a loan, and your monthly payments are less than your prior power bill, your savings will be computed as follows:
- Previous Monthly bill: $122.06.
Monthly solar loan payment: $80 (hypothetical).
Your monthly savings will be:
Monthly savings equals the previous bill minus solar payment.
- Monthly Savings = Previous Bill – Solar Payment.
- Monthly savings = 122.06 – 80 = 42.06.
This implies you’d save around $42.06 each month by adopting solar.
Long-Term Savings from Solar Energy
Over time, these savings mount dramatically:
- Saving around $42 each month for the first year alone adds up to nearly $504.
- This might cost about $2,520 over five years.
- Over 10 years, assuming no changes to your solar payment and ongoing growth in utility costs, you might save more than $5,000.
- The longer you keep your solar system operating (usually for more than 25 years), the greater your savings will be.
The Environmental Impact of Going Solar
In addition to economic advantages, switching to solar energy offers good environmental effects:
1. Reduced Carbon Footprint
By producing clean energy from solar rather than fossil fuels, homes may drastically lower their carbon footprint and contribute to environmental sustainability.
2. Boosting Renewable Energy Growth
Investing in solar energy promotes the expansion of renewable energy sectors and technology, resulting in a cleaner future for everyone.
3. Promoting Energy Independence
Solar energy decreases dependency on foreign power sources while increasing local energy independence by using an abundant and renewable resource.
Incentives for Going Solar in Kansas
There are many incentives available for households contemplating solar installation:
1. Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The ITC enables homeowners to deduct a considerable portion of their solar installation expenses (currently 30%) from their federal taxes.
2. State Incentives
Kansas provides a variety of state-level incentives, including rebates and subsidies, for the installation of renewable energy installations.
3. Net-Metering Policies
Net metering enables homes with solar panels to sell surplus electricity back to the grid at retail prices, therefore balancing expenses and creating further savings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, switching to solar energy may significantly lower Kansas’ average power cost of $122.06. Installing a solar panel system customized to homeowners’ energy demands may eliminate or greatly cut monthly expenditures.
Get a quote now if you’re contemplating switching to solar and want to see how much you may save on your power bill! Knowing your alternatives can help you make energy and financial decisions. Take advantage of incentives and see how much you can save with solar energy to save money and help Kansas’ environment!