Solar By City

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

Shelby, IA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.6/10 7.8/10 8/10 5.6/10 1.5/10
Not Bad 38% daily 3 inches monthly 4.2 on average 0.1/kw

Overview

Are you a Shelby Iowa resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the answer you’ve been looking for. By analyzing weather data specific to Shelby, such as inches of precipitation, average max UV rating, average UV rating, and average percentage cloud cover, we can estimate the financial benefits of switching to solar power. In addition to breaking down the cost of a solar system, we will also provide an estimate of how long it will take for you to break even on your investment. So, if you’re interested in cutting costs and reducing your carbon footprint, keep reading to discover the potential financial advantages of going solar in Shelby.

Shelby Iowa Weather Trends

Shelby Precipitation

With 35.79 inches of precipitation in the last year, Shelby Iowa falls below the national average of 50.61 inches. However, compared to the rest of Iowa, Shelby sits slightly above the state’s average of 36.9 inches. By harnessing the power of solar energy, residents can reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources, ultimately saving money and reducing their carbon footprint.

Shelby’s UV Rating

Shelby Iowa’s average UV rating of 4.24 places it above the national average of 4.29 but below the state’s average of 4.06. The higher UV rating in Shelby makes it an ideal location for solar panel installations, maximizing energy production and potential savings. Investing in solar power in Shelby can be a smart financial decision with ample sunlight to generate clean energy.

Shelby’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 38% cloud cover in the last year, Shelby Iowa enjoys relatively clear skies compared to the national average of 44.46%. Although Shelby ranks lower in cloud cover compared to the rest of Iowa, the consistent amount of sunlight makes it an excellent location for solar panel installations. By harnessing the power of the sun, residents can significantly reduce their electricity costs and reliance on the grid.

Shelby Iowa Electricity Costs

At approximately $0.1/kw for electricity, Shelby Iowa residents pay less than the national average of $0.13/kw and the state’s average of $0.13/kw. Lower electricity costs combined with favorable weather conditions make Shelby an ideal location for solar panel installation. By making the switch to solar energy, residents can save money in the long run while also contributing to a cleaner environment.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Shelby 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:

  • Shelby Iowa receives less precipitation than the national average, which is ideal for solar panel efficiency.
  • While the UV ratings are slightly below the national average, they are still sufficient for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Shelby Iowa is lower than the national average, providing more sunlight for solar panels.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Shelby Iowa pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which can impact the savings from using solar power.

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 purchased from the grid and saving money on electricity bills.
  • With Shelby Iowa’s lower electricity rates, the savings might take longer to cover the initial cost.

After analyzing the data, it seems that it could take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Shelby Iowa. This means that after that period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and eventually pay off the investment. Keep in mind that solar panels have a long lifespan, so the savings will continue to benefit you for many years beyond the break-even point. It’s a wise decision both financially and environmentally!

Investing in solar power in Shelby Iowa

Switching to solar power in Shelby, Iowa can have significant financial benefits. With favorable weather conditions and lower electricity costs, residents can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels in approximately 7-8 years. Not only will this decision save money on electricity bills, but it will also contribute to a cleaner environment by reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. Consider the long-term advantages of solar power and make the smart choice for your wallet and the planet.