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

Shellsburg, IA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
5.2/10 5.1/10 8/10 4.4/10 8.7/10
Pretty Good 44% daily 3 inches monthly 4 on average 0.14/kw

Overview

Are you a Shellsburg Iowa resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been looking for! By analyzing local weather data and electricity costs, we can show you the financial benefits of switching to solar power. Learn how much you could save and how long it would take for your investment to pay off.

Shellsburg Iowa Weather Trends

Shellsburg Precipitation

With an average of 36.01 inches of precipitation per year, Shellsburg Iowa is in the 20th percentile in the nation and the 50th percentile in Iowa. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Iowa’s average of 36.9 inches, Shellsburg experiences slightly less rainfall. By harnessing the power of solar energy, residents can reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources and contribute to a greener environment.

Shellsburg’s UV Rating

Shellsburg Iowa boasts an average UV rating of 3.97, placing it in the 44th percentile in the nation and the 39th percentile in Iowa. While this may not be the highest rating, it is still comparable to the national average of 4.29 and Iowa’s average of 4.06. With the abundance of sunlight in Shellsburg, installing solar panels is a practical way to capitalize on this valuable resource.

Shellsburg’s Cloud Cover

At an average of 44% cloud cover, Shellsburg Iowa falls in the 49th percentile in the nation and the 72nd percentile in Iowa. In comparison, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46% and Iowa’s average is 42.8%. With a significant number of days having low to moderate cloud cover, Shellsburg presents an ideal environment for solar panel efficiency.

Shellsburg Iowa Electricity Costs

Residents of Shellsburg Iowa pay around $0.14 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, placing them in the 87th percentile in the nation and the 77th percentile in Iowa. While the national and state averages stand at $0.13/kw, Shellsburg’s slightly higher cost highlights the potential for substantial savings by switching to solar power. Investing in solar panels can lead to long-term financial benefits and reduced reliance on traditional energy sources.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Shellsburg 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:

  • Shellsburg Iowa receives less precipitation compared to the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
  • The UV ratings in Shellsburg Iowa are slightly lower than the national average, but still conducive for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Shellsburg Iowa is close to the national average, allowing for consistent solar energy production throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Shellsburg Iowa pay slightly 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:

  • Solar panels generate electricity, reducing the need to purchase electricity from the grid.
  • With electricity costs slightly higher in Shellsburg Iowa, the savings from solar power would be more significant.

After doing the calculations, it appears that it would take approximately 7 years to recoup the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7 years, the savings from reduced electricity bills will start offsetting the investment made. Additionally, since solar panels last for 25 to 30 years, the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. By investing in solar energy, not only can residents save money in the long run, but also contribute to a cleaner environment.

Investing in solar power in Shellsburg Iowa

Based on the analysis of weather data and electricity costs in Shellsburg Iowa, it is evident that investing in solar panels can lead to significant financial benefits. With slightly lower precipitation, favorable UV ratings, and moderate cloud cover, Shellsburg provides an ideal environment for solar panel efficiency. Additionally, residents paying slightly higher electricity costs than the national average can expect to break even on their solar investment in approximately 7 years. This means that not only will residents save money in the long run, but they will also reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources and contribute to a greener environment for years to come.