Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Stuart, IA: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Stuart, IA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
6/10 7.1/10 8.2/10 5.1/10 9.5/10
Pretty Good 40% daily 3 inches monthly 4.1 on average 0.17/kw

Overview

Are you a Stuart Iowa resident looking to save on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home may be the solution you’ve been looking for. In this article, we will analyze weather data specific to Stuart, Iowa, along with basic electricity costs, to show you how much you can potentially save by going solar. We will break down the cost of a solar system, estimate the time it will take to break even, and highlight the financial benefits of making the switch to solar energy.

Stuart Iowa Weather Trends

Stuart Precipitation

With only 34.56 inches of precipitation in the last year, Stuart Iowa is drier than most of the country, ranking in the 18th percentile nationally. Compared to Iowa’s average of 36.9 inches, Stuart falls below the state’s average as well. This lower precipitation means less risk of weather-related damage to your solar panels, allowing for more consistent energy production throughout the year.

Stuart’s UV Rating

Stuart’s average UV rating of 4.13 in the last year places it in the middle compared to the rest of the nation at the 51st percentile. However, when looking at Iowa specifically, Stuart ranks in the 71st percentile, showing that the sun’s intensity is relatively good for generating solar power. With an average max UV rating of 4.45, Stuart is in a good position for maximizing solar energy production.

Stuart’s Cloud Cover

Stuart Iowa’s average of 40% cloud cover in the last year is lower than both the national and state averages. With fewer cloudy days compared to the rest of the country and Iowa, Stuart offers more opportunities for your solar panels to soak up sunlight and produce energy efficiently. This means a higher potential for savings on your electricity bills in the long run.

Stuart Iowa Electricity Costs

Residents in Stuart pay about $0.17/kw for electricity, which is higher than both the national and state averages. However, by harnessing solar energy, you can significantly reduce or eliminate your dependence on traditional utility companies, saving money in the long term. Making the switch to solar power can help combat rising electricity costs and benefit the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Stuart Iowa?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Stuart, Iowa, 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:

  • Stuart, Iowa receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Stuart, Iowa are slightly below the national average, but still adequate for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Stuart, Iowa is lower than the national average, providing ample sunlight for solar panels to work effectively.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Stuart, Iowa pay 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 system generates electricity, reducing the amount needed to be purchased from the grid.
  • Considering Stuart, Iowa’s higher electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are significant.

After examining the data, it seems that it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you can enjoy these savings for many years beyond that initial period. Investing in solar panels is a wise decision to save money and contribute to environmental conservation at the same time!

Investing in solar power in Stuart Iowa

After examining the weather trends specific to Stuart, Iowa, along with the electricity costs in the area, it is clear that installing solar panels can be a beneficial investment for residents looking to save money on their electricity bills. With lower precipitation, moderate UV ratings, and minimal cloud cover, Stuart offers optimal conditions for solar energy production. Despite higher electricity costs compared to national averages, the potential savings from using solar power make it a wise financial decision. Based on our analysis, it is estimated that residents could break even on their solar panel investment in approximately 6 years, leading to long-term savings and environmental benefits. Making the switch to solar energy in Stuart, Iowa is a smart choice for both your wallet and the planet.